Reduced corn production, increased winter wheat yield - Reduction in maize production, yet an increase in winter wheat cultivation observed.
Saxony-Anhalt: A Shift Towards Winter Wheat and Less Corn
In the agricultural heartland of Saxony-Anhalt, there's a significant decrease in corn cultivation this year. According to the Halle-based State Statistical Office, silage corn will be planted on 104,000 hectares—a drop of 10% compared to 2024. The area for grain corn and silage corn is expected to decrease by approximately 17%, amounting to 37,800 hectares this season.
The decline in corn cultivation can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the expiration of contracts for biogas plants has reduced the need for corn. Secondly, the decrease in livestock farming, marked by fewer pig and dairy farms, has also lowered the demand for corn as feed. Lastly, the exceptional corn yield in 2024 has made this year's forecast more conservative.
In contrast, potato planting is set to increase in Saxony-Anhalt, up by 15.7% to 15,700 hectares. This growth is a direct response to attractive prices for potatoes last year.
The area for sugar beets is forecasted to decrease by 9%, from 54,500 to 49,600 hectares. While a bountiful harvest last year led to a surplus, changing eating habits with a shift towards lower-sugar products could also contribute to this reduction, primarily in less industrialized areas.
Despite the decline in several crops, winter wheat is poised for a significant increase. This year, it is anticipated that winter wheat will be planted on around 288,700 hectares—an increase of 31,800 hectares or 12.4% compared to the previous year. Winter wheat now represents 58.8% of the total grain area in Saxony-Anhalt. The predicted increase in winter rape (by 0.6%) and a relatively stable area for winter barley (96,300 hectares, down 5.7%) further supports this agricultural shift.
Saxony-Anhalt's agricultural focus on cereal grains, favorable weather conditions, and supportive market and input factors contribute to the expansion of winter wheat cultivation. These factors create an environment that encourages farmers to allocate more land to winter wheat, reflecting both agronomic suitability and economic viability.
The shift towards winter wheat in Saxony-Anhalt, despite a decline in corn and sugar beet cultivation, could be influenced by community policy. Given the expansion of winter wheat, employment opportunities within the cereal industry may increase, especially in finance sectors aligned with grain trading. This agricultural transition reflects a strategic alignment with current market trends and seasons, posing potential implications on the employment policies within the region.
