MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain yield to reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers wind down the harvest season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers had collected more than 126 million tonnes by October 2, with roughly 90% of the planted crop area already threshed. The government also projects oilseed production to be around 35 million tonnes this year. These latest figures position the harvest close to the official full-year forecast.
Throughout the autumn harvest period, the national grain total has steadily increased. By early September, Russia had gathered 113.5 million tonnes, which grew to 120 million tonnes by September 18—more than 90 million of which was wheat. Oilseed output has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. In addition, farmers in organized sectors have harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar volume of vegetables. Officials note that yields for most crop categories remain higher than those in 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Development has estimated a slightly elevated grain harvest for 2026 at about 141.8 million tonnes. Rosstat’s data indicates a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes within its territorial scope. Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut separately cited a 2025 total of 144.6 million tonnes at an April government meeting, calling it Russia’s third-largest grain harvest. In comparison, Russia produced nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024, providing context for the current season.
Progress Toward Completion of Harvest Activities
Patrushev highlighted that the pace of harvesting aligns with the government’s crop expectations. During the autumn field season, authorities have maintained support measures, allocating approximately 10 billion rubles to subsidize grain transportation from key production regions. Export duty payments on grain have been suspended until the end of 2026, and export duties on vegetable oil and meal have been capped at August levels. These policies remain in effect as the 2026 harvest concludes.
Winter sowing has already covered more than half of the planned area for the upcoming agricultural cycle. Regional authorities have been instructed to closely monitor planting, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry earlier reported plans to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Officials emphasized the importance of machinery, seeds, fertilizers, and other supplies during this seasonal activity, as farmers continue preparations while wrapping up the remaining harvest for 2026 across grain, oilseed, vegetable, and potato sectors.
Current Production Levels Remain Elevated
Recent years have seen Russia’s grain production stay near historic highs. In 2023, the country harvested approximately 143 million tonnes, and in 2022, the record was set at 157.676 million tonnes. The forecast of about 140 million tonnes for 2026 is below these totals but still above the nearly 130 million tonnes gathered in 2024. As harvesting continues in some regions, officials have yet to finalize the 2026 total, which will depend on reports from remaining areas.
The scope of the 2026 crop campaign also encompasses oilseeds, vegetables, and potatoes. Oilseed production is expected to reach around 35 million tonnes for the entire year. Meanwhile, harvesting of vegetables and potatoes persists as regions complete seasonal field operations. Farmers are also expanding winter planting efforts for the upcoming cycle. While the final national grain total has not been released, projections estimate about 140 million tonnes for 2026, with the latest reports already surpassing 126 million tonnes.
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