Too Tiny For Chips
Grain growers in Luxembourg report a mixed harvest, with winter cereals such as wheat, barley, winter rye, and triticale performing close to the long-term average, both in terms of quality and quantity. The quality is acceptable this year, but yields are slightly down.
However, spring-sown grains have fared considerably worse. Both the volume and quality of these crops are down, with farmers reporting a 10 to 15% drop in grain yields compared to last year. The shortfall is attributed mainly to the intense heat at the end of June, when temperatures in Remich soared above 40 degrees Celsius.
Potato growers face an even bleaker situation. According to Agriculture Minister Martine Hansen, this year's potato size falls short for processing needs, particularly for making chips. On the positive side, some crops like winter rape, spelt, and oats have been less affected by the drought in an otherwise difficult season.
Farmers are especially worried about fodder supplies. While two good-quality cuts of hay were managed from the pastures, a third cut was almost entirely lost. Some farmers are already using up their reserves, rather than building them for winter. Only further rains and the possibility of one more hay cut could improve the outlook.
Maize for silage presents a similarly mixed picture. Some fields have yielded well, but others suffered badly from drought. This year, maize has been chopped much earlier than usual, probably the earliest harvest ever. The most severely affected maize fields were harvested for forage as early as the end of July.
While grain prices have risen by 10 to 12% compared to last year, grain farming remains unprofitable due to soaring input costs. These price increases are closely linked to the war in Ukraine and other global crises, rather than local conditions.
The situation for rape is even starker: prices have climbed dramatically, as the conflict in the Middle East has pushed up global oil prices, to which rape is tied. At the same time, farmers must contend with higher prices for diesel and fertiliser, so recent price gains do not cover the increased costs.
Insurance is one way farmers can protect themselves. In Luxembourg, the state covers 65% of the cost of crop failure insurance. However, not all crops can be insured, and fodder crops present a particular challenge.