Russian Wheat Planting Slows as Black Sea Port Disruptions Continue

Black Sea port disruptions are forcing some Russian farmers to scale back their winter wheat planting plans. The move comes as flows from Russia's crucial Black Sea ports remain stalled, creating a domestic glut and setting the stage for a smaller 2027 harvest. Shipments have been choked off since July, when Russia and Ukraine escalated attacks on each other's grain ports, silos, and vessels.

The tensions come at a time of bumper harvests in both countries, leaving farmers with millions of tons of unsold grain. This has depressed crop prices domestically, while input costs have also soared.