Water Scarcity on Fields - Farmers Fear Yield Losses - Saxony-Anhalt's drought crisis deepens as farmers face crop collapse
Saxony-Anhalt faces a deepening drought crisis as soils remain dangerously dry across most of the state. Farmers and agricultural experts are warning that without heavy, prolonged rainfall this spring, long-term damage to crops is inevitable.
Rainfall over the past five years has fallen well below historical averages. Data from the German Weather Service (DWD) shows that precipitation from September to February between 2021 and 2026 was consistently lower than the long-term average of 250–300 mm. In particularly dry years like 2022/23, deficits reached 20–40%, with some areas receiving less than 200 mm. Even in 2024/25, when rainfall slightly exceeded expectations, the overall trend remained concerning.
The situation has worsened since autumn 2025. Despite some rain in February, it was not enough to replenish soil moisture reserves. Magdeburg, for example, recorded just 377 litres per square metre in 2025—far below the 550 litres seen in 2024. Central and southern regions are the hardest hit, with plant-available field capacity dropping below levels needed for healthy crop growth.
Northern and eastern areas, including parts of the Harz, are faring slightly better. However, the Farmers' Association of Saxony-Anhalt stresses that no region is spared. All areas urgently need sustained rainfall to prevent further agricultural losses.
The ongoing drought threatens to extend into another growing season. Without significant, lasting rain in the coming weeks, soil conditions will continue to deteriorate. Farmers are bracing for reduced yields and potential long-term impacts on food production across the state.
