Reuters is reporting that . . . .
France should produce a record 40.4 million tonnes of soft wheat this year after harvesting in the European Union's largest grain grower showed little impact from this summer's dry, hot weather, farm office FranceAgriMer said on Friday.
The estimate was above an initial forecast of 37.9 million tonnes in early July, and at the top end of market estimates putting the crop at 39-40 million tonnes.
Like other crop forecasters, FranceAgriMer said drought and extreme heat this summer that have hurt maize (corn) plants came too late to damage wheat that enjoyed good conditions earlier in its growth cycle.
The previous record for soft wheat production in France was 38.2 million tonnes harvested in 1998. Last year, the crop reached 37.5 million tonnes.