Significantly reduced corn harvest, however, expanded winter wheat production - Substantially decreased maize production, however, increased winter wheat cultivation
Shrinking Corn Fields and Growing Winter Wheat in Saxony-Anhalt
According to the State Statistical Office in Halle, the farming region of Saxony-Anhalt is experiencing a substantial decline in corn cultivation. Expected to be planted on 104,000 hectares this year, silage corn is set to decrease by 10% from 2024 figures, with grain corn and corn for silage dropping approximately 17%. The preliminary estimates indicate that these changes are due to several factors, including expired contracts for biogas plants, reduced animal husbandry, and an excellent corn harvest in 2024.
The decrease in corn cultivation is accompanied by an increase in potatoes, largely due to the relatively good prices attained by farmers last year. According to the State Statistical Office, the area used for potatoes is expected to increase by 15.7% to 15,700 hectares this year compared to the prior year, although Saxony-Anhalt is still a relatively small potato-producing region.
Another key change involves a decrease in sugar beet cultivation, with an expected 9% reduction compared to 2024. This is due to a good harvest last year resulting in a "sugar mountain," reduced demand, and shifting eating habits favoring sugar-reduced products. The reduction will primarily occur in areas away from factories, widening the gap between those locations and more remote regions.
However, one notable exception to the decline in agricultural cultivation is winter wheat. Preliminary estimates suggest that winter wheat will be planted on 288,700 hectares this year, an increase of 31,800 hectares or 12.4% compared to 2024. Winter wheat holds the largest share of grain in Saxony-Anhalt, at 58.8%, with winter rape also set to expand slightly by 0.6% to an estimated 122,900 hectares, and winter barley decreasing by 5.7%.
In summary, the agriculture sector in Saxony-Anhalt is undergoing shifts, with winter wheat cultivation increasing while corn, sugar beet, and potatoes shrink. These changes result from agriculture practices, crop demand, suitability, economic and environmental considerations, regional focus, and broader agricultural trends. The increased winter wheat cultivation aligns with the region's focus on grain production, addressing market demands and pressures, and adapting to environmental conditions.
The community policy in Saxony-Anhalt may need to address the changing employment landscape due to the decline in corn cultivation, with potential job losses in related sectors such as biogas and animal husbandry. As winter wheat cultivation increases, there could be new employment opportunities in grain production, particularly in farming and milling.
The shift towards winter wheat cultivation could also impact the finance sector, with farmers seeking loans for planting and managing larger winter wheat fields and potentially needing to secure funding for new farming equipment and machinery. This increase in demand for agricultural financing could create opportunities for local banks and financial institutions that specialize in agribusiness.
