Lantmännen forecasts 5 million tonnes grain harvest for 2026
Lantmännen predicts a 2026 grain harvest of 5 million tonnes, a significant decrease from the previous year and below the ten-year average. Winter damage is cited as the primary reason for the reduced forecast, impacting winter wheat yields.
Lantmännen has issued a forecast predicting a grain harvest of 5 million tonnes for 2026. This figure represents a decrease of approximately 20 percent compared to the 6.4 million tonnes harvested in the previous year and falls below the ten-year average of around 5.5 million tonnes.
The company attributes the reduced forecast primarily to severe winter damage, which particularly affected winter wheat crops. Large areas experienced crop loss due to winter conditions, especially in western Sweden and the Mälardalen region. While spring crops have shown better potential, with favorable conditions leading up to harvest, overall yields are expected to be lower.
Farmers are currently facing significant economic pressure. High production costs for inputs such as fuel and fertilizer, coupled with grain prices that have not kept pace with these increases, are impacting profitability. Lantmännen highlights this as a triple challenge of lower volumes, reduced prices, and elevated costs.
President and CEO Magnus Kagevik emphasized the need for profitability and investment across the food value chain to strengthen Sweden's domestic food production and preparedness. He warned that continued economic pressure on farmers could lead to reduced autumn sowing and negatively affect future harvests and national food security.