On May 11-13, some freezing of the topsoil layer deteriorated sowing and sprouting conditions in parts of the Volga federal district and locally in the north of the Central district and the east of the North-Western district. Winter cereals were at the stem elongation stage in most areas. In single southern fields, winter wheat began heading late in May, i.e. 1-2 weeks ahead of usual time. Early spring cereals were at the stages of emergence to leaf formation, depending on their sowing date. In the central black-earth regions, stem elongation started in early-seeded spring barley on May 21-31.