Russia’s poor start to spring means farmers may struggle to collect a wheat crop that’s near to last year’s record. Cold weather in central areas and the Volga valley delayed the resumption of winter wheat growth by about two to three weeks compared with last year. Lingering snow has also given farmers in the world’s top exporter less time to sow spring crops, potentially leading to smaller-than-expected plantings. IKAR to cut its harvest estimate to between 72 million and 78 million metric tons, down at least 9 percent from a year earlier. Consultant ProZerno sees bigger declines. The risk to Russian output comes as dryness is threatening crops in the U.S. Plains and as the International Grains Council expects global production to fall next season for the first time in at least three years.