Heat Drains Harvest: Thuringia Farmers Demand More Aid

Thuringia's agriculture is facing challenges after a harvest that is weaker than last year, though not yet a catastrophe, according to Agriculture Minister Colette Boos-John (CDU). Compared to other German states more severely affected by extreme weather, Thuringia has fared relatively well. However, the minister noted significant regional and crop-specific variations in the results.

Heat and drought have left their mark on the fields. Farmers' President Klaus Wagner described how promising wheat yields diminished within a few hot days, leading to disappointing harvest outcomes. Overall, Thuringia is expected to harvest approximately 2.28 million tons of grain, about 300,000 tons less than the previous year, but on par with 2024 levels. The average grain yield per hectare is 9 percent lower than last year and 2.2 percent below the multi-year average.

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The results differ considerably by regions and cultures.

While some crops like winter and summer barley, and triticale, exceeded long-term averages, winter wheat, rye, and oats fell short. Winter rapeseed saw a particularly sharp decline of 18 percent in yield compared to the previous year. Below-average yields are also anticipated for corn and potatoes, and the situation for fodder crops like field and clover grass is described as tense.

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From a promising wheat stand, it became a disappointing harvest result within a few hot days.

The quality of the harvest has also suffered in some areas. Farmers are grappling with a combination of lower yields, reduced quality, and sometimes lower producer prices, all while facing persistently high production costs. These factors mean Thuringian agriculture can expect lower revenues than in the previous year, although consumers may not immediately notice the impact due to well-supplied international markets.

To provide short-term relief, measures such as continued subsidies for "conservation strips" on fields, where cattle and horses can graze or fodder can be harvested, are being supported. "Every small step helps us," said Wagner. However, both Wagner and Boos-John believe more significant action is needed. They are calling for the federal government to substantially increase planned EU fertilizer aid, with Thuringia advocating for further support.

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Every small step helps us.