Harvest in Saxony-Anhalt Under Difficult Circumstances

According to the Saxony-Anhalt Farmers’ Association, this year’s harvest is facing difficult conditions. “Significant variations in yields and quality, uncertain market trends, and persistently high production costs characterize the current situation,” the association announced in Magdeburg. For many farms, it is currently difficult to predict whether the harvest will ultimately be economically viable.

Forecast Shows a Very Mixed Picture

The Farmers’ Association’s forecast paints a very mixed picture, strongly influenced by regional variations in precipitation. “While more stable yields are expected in some parts of the northern regions, southern and eastern regions in particular have suffered from drought and heat. The result is, in some cases, significant yield losses and quality risks, especially for wheat,” the statement said.

Winter Barley and Winter Rapeseed Yields Likely Below Average

For winter barley, whose harvest has begun, the association emphasized that yields are projected to be slightly below average at around 74 deciton per hectare. Last year, the national average was still around 80 decitonnes. Yields for winter rapeseed are also expected to be below average. “Other crops such as peas, rye, spelt, and durum wheat also present a mixed picture.”

Topsoil has dried out again

Regarding winter wheat, there are considerable uncertainties regarding yields and quality, as it is not yet clear how the ongoing drought in many regions and the heat wave have affected the crops, the association added. Despite isolated showers, the topsoil has already dried out again in many parts of the country. Crops such as corn, sugar beets, potatoes, and sunflowers are in urgent need of more rain.

A worrying picture of the situation facing many farms

The Farmers’ Association referred to a meeting between farmers and the agricultural trade last Wednesday. The economic situation of the farms was the main focus of the discussion. “Assessments from the field and the trade paint a worrying picture; many farms are increasingly facing liquidity shortages. This is reaching proportions that have previously been observed only in isolated cases.” 

Association does not expect rising crop prices

Given globally stable to rising harvest volumes, no significant price increases are expected in the short term. At the same time, operating costs continue to rise and are eating into the expected harvest revenues, the association announced. Even an average or locally good harvest will often not be enough under these conditions to alleviate the economic situation of the farms.