Saxony-Anhalt's crops at risk as drought tightens its grip on farms

Fields lie parched, and hope fades with each dry day. Without a miracle downpour, this year's harvest—and farmers' livelihoods—hang in the balance.

, and Administrator

2026 March 8 . 5:09 PM

1 min read

It is an agriculture land many plants are plotted into the ground and in front of of the field... — It is an agriculture land many plants are plotted into the ground and in front of of the field there is a machine, it is spelling the water on the crops and behind the machine there are huge trees and behind the trees there are other types of crops.

Water Scarcity on Fields - Farmers Fear Yield Losses - Saxony-Anhalt's crops at risk as drought tightens its grip on farms

Saxony-Anhalt is facing a severe soil drought that threatens this year's crops. Farmers across the state warn that without heavy and sustained spring rainfall, yields could drop sharply. The dry spell follows months of below-average precipitation, leaving fields in critical condition.

Rainfall in the region has been scarce since autumn 2025. December and January were especially dry, with only February showing a slight increase—though still not enough to restore moisture levels. Magdeburg recorded just 377 litres per square metre last year, far below the 550 litres seen in 2024.

Conditions vary across Saxony-Anhalt. Northern and eastern areas have slightly better soil moisture, but the Harz mountains' rain shadow remains far drier. Central regions have seen a steady decline over the past five years, with 2022-2023 being particularly harsh due to low rainfall and high evaporation. Some recovery occurred in 2024-2025, but not enough to offset the long-term trend.

Soil moisture in many areas has now fallen below 50%, a threshold that puts arable crops at serious risk. The Farmers' Association of Saxony-Anhalt has stressed that all regions need prolonged, heavy rain to prevent lasting damage. Without it, crops will face higher risks of disease, pests, and stunted growth.

The current drought could lead to lower harvests if spring rains fail to arrive. Farmers are already preparing for potential losses, as dry soils weaken plants and reduce resilience. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but immediate and substantial rainfall is the only solution to avert long-term agricultural harm.