The grain fields in Saxony-Anhalt are as good as harvested. The amount is slightly above expectations. Nevertheless, the farmers are dissatisfied.
Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - From the point of view of many farmers, the harvest in Saxony-Anhalt was unsatisfactory this year. "Too much heat and far too little water have not offered the plants good conditions since sowing," said a spokesman for the state farmers' association. The amount for the most important grain crops is slightly above expectations. However, the quality often leaves a lot to be desired.
The wheat results are slightly above the forecast at the start of the harvest. The national average was 6.4 tons per hectare. In years with more favorable weather, farmers in Saxony-Anhalt can achieve 8 tons per hectare and more for winter wheat. At 7.4 tons per hectare, the harvest results for barley are also above the first forecasts and at a level that is also common in years with better weather. The winter barley was able to complete the yield formation before the extreme drought, it said. However, a part had to be chopped up in the green stage in order to be able to use them as fodder.
However, according to the association, farmers reported low hectoliter weights and high proportions of shriveled grain for wheat, barley and rye. Schmachtkorn refers to poorly developed grain and, in addition to the other quality parameters, is decisive for determining the price level.
According to the association, the drought is affecting all cultivated crops. Farmers in Saxony-Anhalt planted significantly more sunflowers this year. But even these comparatively resistant plants are severely affected by the drought. "In some places, the harvest has dried up so much that the yields are unlikely to cover the costs," said the spokesman.
