zeit.de
Mixed Hessian Harvest: High Barley Yields, but Drought and Pests Threaten Crops
Hessian farmers face a mixed 2025 harvest: high winter barley yields (8-9 tons/hectare) contrast with low winter wheat yields due to heat and drought; new pests like the planthopper threaten crops, and high costs reduce profits.
- How are climate change and the spread of new pests impacting Hessian agriculture, and what regions are most affected?
- High temperatures, storms, and persistent drought have created challenges for Hessian farmers. The soil moisture is significantly below average, particularly in southern Hesse, impacting crops like maize, sugar beets, and potatoes. A new pest, the planthopper, further threatens yields of potatoes, sugar beets, and other crops, potentially causing widespread losses.
- What are the immediate economic consequences of the 2025 Hessian grain harvest, considering both positive and negative factors?
- The 2025 Hessian grain harvest shows mixed results: an early start in June, but high costs and low returns are impacting farmer expectations. Winter barley yields are high (8-9 tons/hectare), while winter wheat is below average due to rapid ripening from heat and insufficient rain.
- What long-term strategies should Hessian farmers adopt to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather and invasive pests, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices?
- The combination of climate change-induced extreme weather and the spread of new pests like the planthopper pose long-term threats to Hessian agriculture. The current drought emphasizes the vulnerability of crops to changing climate conditions, requiring adaptation strategies and potentially impacting food security. The planthopper's spread necessitates proactive pest management to prevent future crop failures.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the harvest, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. However, the early positive news about the barley harvest might frame the overall narrative slightly more positively initially, although the subsequent discussion of challenges balances this.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While terms like "angespannt" (tense) and "Sorgen" (worries) are used, they accurately reflect the concerns of the farmers. The article uses direct quotes from experts which maintain neutrality.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the perspectives of the Hessian Farmers' Association (HBV), potentially omitting other relevant viewpoints from farmers with differing experiences or opinions. While acknowledging challenges, the article doesn't extensively explore potential solutions beyond those suggested by the HBV or NABU. The economic impact on consumers is not discussed.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights challenges faced by Hessian farmers, including high costs, low yields, and the impact of extreme weather conditions and pests on crop production. These factors directly threaten food security and agricultural productivity, negatively impacting efforts to achieve Zero Hunger.