Less corn harvest this season, an increase in winter wheat planted instead - Less maize production, increased winter wheat cultivation
Saxony-Anhalt Sees Substantial Decline in Corn Acreage, Increase in Winter Wheat
Saxony-Anhalt, a German state in the heart of Europe, is witnessing a significant reduction in the cultivation area of corn. The State Statistical Office in Halle predicts that silage corn will be planted on roughly 104,000 hectares this year, a 10% decrease from 2024. The cultivation area for both grain corn and corn for silage is expected to shrink by about 17%, dropping to 37,800 hectares in 2025.
The Saxony-Anhalt Farmers' Association attributes the decrease in corn cultivation to several factors. Firstly, the expiration of contracts for biogas plants has resulted in a reduced demand for corn. Secondly, the sharp decline in livestock farming is impacting the need for corn as animal feed. Lastly, a bountiful corn harvest in 2024 with a high yield is thought to be another contributing factor.
In contrast, farmers are increasingly focusing on potatoes, as relatively good prices for table potatoes last year have driven an increase in the cultivated area in Saxony-Anhalt. The State Statistical Office estimates that this area may reach 15,700 hectares this year, a 15.7% increase compared to 2024. However, it's worth noting that Saxony-Anhalt is a relatively small potato-producing region.
Another noticeable shift in agricultural practices concerns sugar beets. Based on initial estimates, the area under sugar beets is expected to decrease by 9% this year, from 54,500 to 49,600 hectares. This reduction is likely due to a combination of factors, including a good harvest in 2024 leading to a small surplus of sugar beets and factories requiring fewer beets. The demand for sugar is also decreasing as more sugar-reduced products become available.
One area that stands out for growth is winter wheat. Statisticians anticipate that winter wheat will be planted on around 288,700 hectares this year, marking a 31,800 hectares or 12.4% increase compared to 2024. Winter wheat accounts for the largest share of grain in Saxony-Anhalt, at 58.8%. The area under winter rapeseed has increased by 0.6% compared to 2024, to an estimated 122,900 hectares, while winter barley is still being planted on 96,300 hectares, a decrease of 5.7% compared to 2024.
These changes in the agricultural landscape of Saxony-Anhalt can be attributed to various interrelated factors linked to agricultural trends and regional conditions, including shifting crop area due to market and production changes, changing agricultural practices and diets, climate and crop suitability, economic and market factors, and regional agricultural profile.
The community policy should address the impact of decreasing demand for corn due to expired biogas contracts and declining livestock farming, as these factors contribute to the substantial decline in corn acreage in Saxony-Anhalt.
In light of the growing interest in winter wheat, the employment policy could consider strategies to support the increased demand for agricultural labor in the industry, as winter wheat now accounts for the largest share of grain in Saxony-Anhalt's finance sector.
