The ongoing dry weather is putting dairy farming businesses in Germany under severe strain. According to the Federal Association of German Dairy Farmers (BDM), cited by the “Rheinische Post,” the number of dairy cows being culled is increasing.
BDM spokesperson Hans Foldenauer told the newspaper that cows previously placed on the culling list due to age or sub-average milk production are now being retired earlier, leading to notably rising figures.
Overall, the feed supply is expected to be severely strained, or even disastrous. Farms are forced to purchase feed, but regional availability is low, and prices are high. Foldenauer noted that this situation is financially unsustainable and can only be managed through increasing levels of debt.
Despite these difficulties, there is some optimism. Foldenauer added that the recent rainfall instills hope that, at least in the autumn, some of the missing feed supplies can be replaced. The association is calling for a permanently enhanced financial safety net for the agricultural sector. They argue that revenues from agricultural products should be sufficient not only to cover current operational costs but also to allow farms to build reserves for weather-related crises.
