Agrar: farmers hope for average harvest

After a common dry spring in Germany, farmers hope for a normal harvest. “The rain came just in time in many regions,” said Farmers President Joachim Rukwied of the German Press Agency. “We don’t run for a super harvest at grain and rapeseed. But there is a chance for an average harvest.”

No “horror scenarios”

Rukwied explained: “We had a pronounced spring dryness in parts of Germany. In the second half of May and in June there were precipitation that could correct a lot.” The peasant president added: “We did not participate in horror scenarios about a drought, some of which were painted on the wall.”

Depending on the region, this year’s harvest will start in the coming weeks. Last year, the combine harvesters had brought significantly fewer grain from the fields. With a view of autumn, Rukwied said: “With potatoes, beets, corn and soybeans, the weather is still important in July and August.”

Cereal prices collapsed

There are great concerns about the market and business situation in agriculture. “The cereal prices have broken down to a low, and this with continues to be high expenses for energy, fertilizer and pesticides. At the moment, a lot is incalculable in the international markets,” said Rukwied. Some of the past year are still in stock.

Overall, the business prospects of the industry differ depending on the division, as the Peasant President made it clear. “We see stabilization in milk and cattle husbandry, possibly a slight increase.” At best, a sideways trend is evident in pork.

“Viticulture has been in one of the greatest crises in decades,” said Rukwied. More and more vineyards would be cleared and closed. Consumption has decreased over the past few years. There is also an increasing proportion of foreign wines. “If you want to receive the landscape in the German growing regions, you should specifically buy German wines.”