The ongoing drought in Germany has significantly impacted the grain harvest, with losses estimated at three million tons since mid-June. Farmers are bracing for a below-average yield this season.

The summer heat has wreaked havoc on German grain fields, leading to substantial losses for farmers. The German Raiffeisen Association reports that approximately three million tons of grain and rapeseed have been lost since the onset of the drought period in mid-June, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of 600 million euros.

Current projections suggest a grain harvest of 40.6 million tons, marking a decline of about ten percent compared to last year’s satisfactory yield of 45 million tons. Despite the challenges, grain market expert Guido Seedler notes that the harvest will still be sufficient, largely due to favorable weather conditions in the spring that mitigated further damage.

While consumers are unlikely to see significant increases in bread prices due to the grain losses, the agricultural sector is grappling with rising costs. Additionally, low water levels in rivers pose logistical challenges for grain transport, although storage capacities remain adequate. The Raiffeisen Association emphasizes that maintaining efficient logistics is crucial for the industry, especially for the distribution of feed and fertilizers.