Prignitzer harvest 2023: Light and shadow in quality and yield

Prignitzer harvest 2023: Light and shadow in quality and yield

This year's harvest in Prignitz presents itself as a mixed picture that is heavily linked to the weather conditions. According to reports, the harvesting balance of the Prignitz farmers is characterized by changeable qualities this year. While the yields in some types of grain have a slight improvement compared to the previous year, the general mood in the agricultural sector is more steamed. Christine Streese, the managing director of the district farmers' association, expressed in a conversation that the quality of the grain was better than in the previous year, but not consistently satisfactory.

One of the greatest challenges is the reduced quality and the yield for important types of grain. The rye sometimes shows an acceptable bread quality, but not continuously. The inferior qualities are downgraded and sold as feed rye, which leads to lower income. The winter wheat harvest must also be classified as below average, since the protein content in the grain is insufficient, which, according to the farmers' association, is due to the legally required fertilizer methods.

Positive in corn and potatoes

However, the situation is different with corn and potatoes: a positive conclusion can be drawn here. Helge Milatz, the CEO of the Quitzow agricultural cooperative, reported good stocks and pistons of the corn. The potatoes show above -average starch content, especially in the starch potatoes that are intended for processing in factories as in Dallmin. This gives farmers hope that at least in these areas the harvest will be positive.

The persistent precipitation clearly helped with the cultivation of corn and potatoes. But the heat that accompanies the current harvesting work could be a challenge. The farmers are trying to keep a step with the harvest because the corn ripens quickly.

Expectations and price pressure

The expectations of the harvest were high, but this hope has not fulfilled, as Milatz states. Despite sufficient rainfall, the overall harvest is below expectations. The frost in April in particular has harmed many fruit growers and some cereals. The conditions initially seemed optimal, but the actual earnings remained behind the expectations.

An additional problem is the pressure on prices. Reinhard Jung, spokesman for the Free Peasants, confirms that the harvest is not catastrophic, but below average. The market development significantly influences pricing. In the course of the mass imports of Ukrainian grain, prices in the domestic market decrease, which is particularly problematic for farmers. According to the district farmers' association, there are still residues of the previous year's harvest in the camps, which could further burden the market situation.

The inputs of the producers show that the prices for harvesting were not cost-covering, as Christine Streese emphasizes. Again and again it should be noted that the prices for products do not cover the effort that is operated to secure and manage the harvest. The decline in producer prices is perceived as a decisive problem that could endanger the economic stability of the companies.

Finally, it can be said that the Prignitz farmers can set positive accents despite various challenges such as fluctuating qualities and price pressure in the areas of corn and potatoes. Nevertheless, there is a mixed overall picture that clearly reflects the uncertainties and challenges of agriculture in the region.