- Farmers' Association: Low yields expected
Friedrichsdorf (dpa) - Hessian farmers are expecting a lower grain harvest than last year. Depending on the region, yields are "significantly below average to average", according to an assessment by the Hessian Farmers' Association in response to a dpa query. The targeted quality grades of the harvests have been "disappointing" and not always achieved. Additionally, rainfall, hailstorms, and flooding have significantly impacted the harvest.
These influences were already evident last fall, leading to delayed planting in some cases due to the rainfall, explained Marie-Claire von Spee, spokesperson for the Hessian Farmers' Association.
Many harvest interruptions
Only last week, rain once again interrupted the harvest in some regions, with heavy storms causing forced breaks in places, according to von Spee. The grain must first dry out before harvesting can resume. The South Hessia region is well ahead in the harvest, but winter wheat and summer grains are still being harvested there, depending on weather conditions, the Hessian Farmers' Association reported.
Yields often low
The winter barley harvest is largely complete and is at a "slightly to significantly below average" yield level, according to von Spee. Rapeseed shows average to slightly below average yields with "generally good" quality. There is still a significant amount of winter wheat in the fields, so combine harvesters will be working overtime in the coming days. The yields for wheat are "often disappointing", said the spokesperson. Additionally, the pulse crop harvest, such as peas, has begun. For example, field beans are still not ready, as they have not yet ripened.
The prolonged rainfall and hailstorms this season have negatively affected the quality of the grain harvest, making it a challenging year for Hessian farmers. The relentless rain last week forced another interruption in the harvest process, requiring the grain to dry out before resuming harvesting.
