Reduced corn production, increased winter wheat harvest predicted - Reduced maize production, however, an increase in winter wheat cultivation noted.
Shifts in Saxony-Anhalt Agriculture: A Decrease in Corn, Surge in Winter Wheat, and Expanded Potato Cultivation
In Saxony-Anhalt, the area dedicated to corn cultivation is set to decrease significantly this year, according to the Statistical Office in Halle. The anticipated area for silage corn is expected to be 104,000 hectares, a 10% decline from 2024. Grain corn and corn for silage are expected to see a more substantial decrease, by approximately 17%, to 37,800 hectares this year.
Several factors contribute to this decline in corn cultivation. The expiration of contracts for biogas plants has reduced the demand for corn, while the decrease in livestock farming has significantly Impacted the demand for corn as feed. The number of pig and dairy farms in the region has diminished, leading to less demand for feed corn. Additionally, last year was an excellent year for corn with a high yield, setting a benchmark that may dissuade farmers from planting as much corn this year.
Simultaneously, a projected 15.7% increase in potato planting area is underway in Saxony-Anhalt. Farmers are likely cashing in on relatively good prices for table potatoes from last year. According to the Statistical Office, the potato planting area is expected to reach 15,700 hectares this year. Saxony-Anhalt is a relatively modest potato-producing region.
The Statistical Office also predicts a 9% decrease in sugar beet cultivation area this year compared to last year. The small "sugar mountain" caused by a good harvest last year and the increased popularity of sugar-reduced products have reversed the demand for sugar beets. Reduced demand for sugar is likely to be more significant in remote areas, away from factories.
One prominent area of growth is winter wheat, which is projected to be planted on around 288,700 hectares, representing a 31,800 hectares or 12.4% increase compared to last year. Winter wheat takes the largest share of grains in Saxony-Anhalt, accounting for 58.8%. Winter rapeseed and winter barley are also making an appearance, with areas estimated to increase by 0.6% to 122,900 hectares for rapeseed and remaining stable at 96,300 hectares for barley.
Several interrelated factors contribute to these shifts in the agricultural sector. Economic and market trends drive demand for winter wheat, corn, sugar beets, and potatoes, as they are traditional staples in human diets and animal feed. Agricultural policy and subsidies, climate and weather conditions, changing agricultural practices, and livestock trends all play a role in these changes.
The community and employment policies of Saxony-Anhalt may influence the agricultural shifts observed, as changes in the industry could lead to implications for employment in farming and related sectors. For instance, a decline in corn cultivation might impact the finance sector, considering the potential reduction in demand for corn-related products and services. Conversely, the expansion of potato cultivation and winter wheat could present new employment opportunities, especially in sectors related to processing and distribution of these crops.
