Overview

• Germany is experiencing one of its driest springs on record, with persistent high-pressure systems blocking rainfall since March.
• Farmers across the country report grain drying on the stalk and hay yields projected to drop by 50%, with some regions facing near-total crop failures.
• The drought is linked to climate change, as reduced wind speeds prevent rain-bringing low-pressure systems from moving into the region.
• Efforts to irrigate fields are proving costly and unsustainable, with farmers warning that expenses will soon outweigh potential harvest revenues.
• The German Farmers’ Association is calling for structural reforms, including large-scale rainwater storage systems and tax-smoothing measures, to help mitigate future crises.