Apple harvest on Lake Constance: Less quantity, but best quality expected!

Apple harvest on Lake Constance: Less quantity, but best quality expected!

At a time when the apple harvest season is in full swing, Michael Meichle, a farmer from Hagnau, looks at his orchards with anticipation. On August 16, 2025, he made the first preparations to ensure that the upcoming harvest of the popular Elstar variety can begin in about two weeks. However, the fruits grow smaller than usual, a circumstance that is due to the long dry period in spring. Fortunately, a period of rain in late July and early August gave the unhappy plants a boost and got them blooming again.

But as always, there are challenges to overcome. Weather extremes, especially the oppressive heat, represent a risk because they can lead to sunburn on the apples, which subsequently leads to price reductions. It is assumed that the 2025 harvest will decrease by 10 to 20 percent compared to the previous year, with an expected volume of around 227,000 tons, after 251,000 tons were harvested at Lake Constance last year. Michael Meichle expects a yield that will be 15 to 20 percent below the previous year's figures.

A look at the variety of apples

Many farmers in the Lake Constance area, which is considered the second largest apple-growing region in Germany, rely on tried-and-tested varieties. This region with around 1,400 farmers produces apples that differ in taste and materials. The Gala variety, which scores with its mild taste and low acidity, is particularly popular among farmers. There are around 20 million apple trees in the region, 90 percent of which are protected by hail protection nets. Quality control is extremely important, which is why farmers have to carry out extensive maintenance work to get the best apples.

The organizations Marktgemeinschaft Bodenseeobst and Württembergische Obstgenossenschaft Raiffeisen coordinate around 1,150 producers in the region. Despite the good quality expected this time, farmers face the challenge of rising production costs while prices remain stagnant. They currently receive between 38 and 48 cents per kilo of apples, which in their view is not enough to work economically. The level of self-sufficiency in Germany is 57 percent - which means that there is a high proportion of imports in the market.

Effects on crops

Lake Constance is not only known for its beautiful landscapes, but also for the diverse apple harvest, which provides fresh products every year. However, nature does not always do what farmers want. Late frosts and pests can also threaten the harvest. However, growers are optimistic that the quality of apples will be good this season, despite the challenges. Experts agree that freshness in one's own region is very important when purchasing and enjoying it, so that consumers once again have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Bodenseeadel.

With regard to the apple harvest on Lake Constance, Michael Meichle hopes that the weather conditions will remain stable and that production will take place without any further setbacks, because one thing is clear: even in difficult times, it pays to have a good hand in caring for the fruit and choosing the varieties.

For more information about the apple harvest on Lake Constance, read the comprehensive reports South Courier. And if you're interested in apartments in Kansas City, see rent.com interesting information and offers.