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Farmers in the Uckermark: Harvest 2025 between hope and challenges
Harvest start in 2025 in the Uckermark: Farmers are optimistic despite challenges caused by drought and pests.
Farmers in the Uckermark: Harvest 2025 between hope and challenges
On July 4, 2025, farmers in the Uckermark celebrated the start of the harvest at the research station of the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e. V. started in Dedelow. Despite all the challenges, the Uckermark Farmers' Association is cautiously confident and reports improved yields compared to the previous year. Managing director Friedhelm Rogasch emphasizes that winter barley is achieving yields of up to eight tonnes per hectare this season - twice as much as in 2018.
The winter barley has developed well thanks to the winter moisture and is enjoying fewer fungal diseases, a positive effect of the ongoing drought. However, this also has its downsides. Among other things, farmers are faced with a lack of water, which leads to problems with corn on sandy soils. Although wheat could deliver average yields, many fear the impact of extreme weather conditions on the entire crop.
Drought as a double-edged sword
In the months March to May only 70 liters of precipitation fell, compared to a normal value of around 140 liters. While some rain fell again in June, it was not enough to compensate for the severe water shortage. Farmers rely on manual labor and heavy equipment because every dry hour counts in order to bring in the harvest under optimal conditions.
“The hope for a smooth harvest is palpable, especially with regard to the right technology and personnel,” continued Rogasch. Diversity in cultivation is emphasized as a risk distribution strategy in order to better cope with unpredictable weather conditions. Crop rotation is also seen as a necessary adaptation to changing conditions, which brings daily challenges for farmers in the Uckermark.
Look beyond the borders
For corn, on the other hand, there is a positive trend, the EU average is 7.45 tonnes per hectare, which corresponds to an increase of 11% compared to the previous year. A yield of 9.82 tons per hectare is estimated for Germany. The rapeseed yields are average and within the five-year average.
In summary, it can be seen that farmers in the Uckermark and across Europe are facing major challenges, but are also hopeful for a better harvest. Daily adaptation to weather and soil conditions remains a central issue in agriculture. The comprehensive data and information on yields and development trends in agriculture can be found on the website Eurostat well prepared.
Overall, the current description of the situation in the fields in the Uckermark is reflected in the various harvest expectations and challenges faced by farmers. Risk avoidance tactics and adaptation to current circumstances will be crucial to dealing with the vagaries of nature.