Hay bales for the 2025 harvest: Reserve now in Schlierbach!

Hay bales for the 2025 harvest: Reserve now in Schlierbach!

As of June 25, 2025, the outlook for the agricultural harvest in Europe is mixed. While demand for high-quality hay remains high, many farmers in Germany are struggling with the challenges of drought, which could affect yields.

An example of what is available on the market is the sale of hay bales that have a diameter of 145 cm. These hay bales have been sufficiently ventilated after pressing to ensure stable quality. The humidity was measured several times and ventilated again if necessary. A bale with a diameter of 150 cm weighs around 300 to 330 kg. This harvest can be reserved in Schlierbach, Upper Austria, while the 2024 harvest has already been sold. Pruning of these plants occurs in early August, with both first and second cuttings available. The seller also offers the option of delivering two bales for trial with a car trailer and recommends collecting the bales either immediately after aeration or from the field to ensure the best quality. Delivery can be implemented upon request and the seller has been registered since December 29, 2019.

Drought threatens yields

According to a report from agrarheute.com, parallel to the hay harvest, many farmers in Germany are faced with the risk that drought will reduce yields. However, the Commission's MARS report sees a positive trend in wheat yields on average across the EU. The average wheat yield in the EU is 5.83 t/ha, an increase of 8% compared to last year.

Germany in particular is benefiting from these yields, with a forecast wheat yield of 7.48 t/ha, which is 6% above the previous year's level. The maize harvest also looks promising, with an EU average of 7.45 t/ha, an increase of 11% compared to last year. In Germany, a corn yield of 9.82 t/ha is expected, which corresponds to the long-term average.

Results in the rapeseed sector

When it comes to rapeseed yields in Germany, there is a forecast of 3.60 t/ha, which is 8% higher than the previous year and within the five-year average. Across the EU, average rapeseed yields are 3.17 t/ha. Particularly positive is the sunflower harvest, which is expected to have an average yield of 2.09 t/ha in the EU, which is 21% higher than last year.

In Germany, however, a yield of 2.42 t/ha is expected, which is 7% below the previous year and 6% above average. The south of Germany is less affected by the drought, which represents a certain advantage for farmers there.

Overall, the market for hay bales and the news on yields in various sectoral crops offer a multi-layered perspective on the challenges and opportunities that 2025 holds for agriculture in Germany and across Europe.

For more information about the hay bales, those interested can see the details Farmer.com read up. The harvest forecasts and market analyzes are detailed agrarheute.com available.