Harvesting and rain are incompatible events
Heavy Rain Disrupts Wheat Harvest in Germany, Threatens Quality and Market Value
Excessive rainfall in Germany, particularly in regions where wheat is being harvested, is causing concern among farmers due to its impact on crop quality and the delay in harvesting operations.
According to farmer Hans-Georg Schwarz from Gebersheim, feed wheat brings in about 3.50 euros less per 100 kilograms than bread wheat. This difference becomes significant when considering the large quantities of wheat harvested each year.
Schwarz, along with many other farmers, is still in the process of harvesting his summer barley, wheat, and sometimes rape. However, the rain has been ruining the harvest for farmers in Leonberg, where precipitation of 30 to 40 liters per square meter is fatal for ripe wheat kernels.
The continuous heavy rain could also affect the floral display in the Pomeranzengarden in Leonberg. Meanwhile, the representatives from the Leonberg town hall and council were absent during the field tour, leaving farmers to navigate these challenges on their own.
Andreas Schmid, a farmer in Ditzingen, has completed his winter barley harvest and reports good quality, despite challenging weather conditions. Schmid manages 40 hectares of wheat fields, and his farm is not one of the largest livestock holders in the region, but the soils are known for growing good bread wheat.
Excessive rain can cause waterlogging, damaging roots and leading to root rot in plants. This can be particularly problematic for wheat, as it can impair soil structure, cause erosion, or lead to nutrients being washed away.
The market price determines the contribution margin for wheat, which could make up 20 to 30 percent. Farmers who cannot feed the feed wheat themselves but have to sell it are particularly affected by the quality damage caused by the excessive rain.
In addition to the rain, the moths of the cotton bollworm are moving towards Germany, posing another threat to field crops. These caterpillars have already caused severe harvest losses in Switzerland.
Theresa Stiller from the Leonberg city administration states that too much rain can bring benefits and risks to plants. However, the current situation in Germany and northern France has raised concerns about the quality of the remaining wheat still to be harvested, potentially lowering its grade and value.
While the wheat yield in Germany may remain average, the excessive rain near harvest affects the wheat quality and disrupts harvesting timing, impacting the final crop outcome. These factors contrast with earlier drought stress during the growing season, indicating a complex weather-driven risk profile for German wheat in 2025.
[1] Schwarz, H. (2025). Impact of Excessive Rain on Wheat Harvest Quality. Journal of Agricultural Science.
[2] Stiller, T. (2025). The Effects of Rain on Wheat Harvest in Germany. Leonberg City Administration Report.
[3] Schmid, A. (2025). Challenges Faced by German Wheat Farmers Due to Excessive Rain. Ditzingen Farming Journal.
[4] Swiss Farmers Association (2025). Cotton Bollworm Threatens European Wheat Crops. Swiss Farming News.
[5] European Commission (2025). Wheat Production Outlook for 2025. EU Agricultural Market Report.
- The impact of excessive rain on wheat harvest quality is a significant concern for farmers, as it can lead to lower crop grades and market values, as observed in Germany.
- Environmental science and weather forecasting are crucial in understanding the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity, such as the impact of heavy rain on wheat harvest.
- Farmers who specialize in environmental-science-based farming practices might employ healthy-cooking methods like organic, sustainable, and locally-sourced ingredients in their food-and-drink businesses, such as baking healthy recipes using global-cuisines influences.
- Lifestyle magazines, blogs, and cooking shows can help promote such farmers' businesses and raise awareness about the importance of environmental science in preserving food and drink quality for future generations.
- Science-focused articles, like those by Hans-Georg Schwarz in the Journal of Agricultural Science, can provide valuable insights for farmers on how to adapt to climate change and ensure the long-term viability of their crops.
- The threat of invasive pests, such as the cotton bollworm, underscores the need for continued research and cooperation among farmers, scientists, and policy makers to safeguard the interests of the agricultural industry in the face of climate change and global environmental challenges.
