Arable farming struggles with drought again

Although the drought is already a closed book for many, arable farmers are still noticing the consequences. The drought continues and causes problems when harvesting potatoes and carrots. It is a unique situation that rain still has to be irrigated in October. 

The precipitation deficit in the Netherlands is still high and is even increasing. The precipitation deficit is again rising above the line of the 5% driest years.

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Arable farmers have problems with soil that is too dry to harvest the potatoes. In particular in the Southwest, but also in Limburg and Flevoland, irrigation is required in various cases.

Irrigation is necessary because otherwise the potatoes cannot be harvested without harvesting damage. The harvesting conditions are also very good. This year it is not mud, but clouds of dust that the harvesters have to deal with.

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Rot in carrots due to high temperature
Carrots are also irrigated in various places. It is also difficult to harvest carrots under dry conditions. The dry soil can cause damage to the carrot. Too little soil in the box is detrimental to the storability. The beautiful conditions can be tempting for carrot growers to harvest now. However, you have to be careful. There is in fact mention of rot in the carrots shortly after harvesting, when harvesting has taken place at too high temperatures.

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Increased sugar content
Cosun reports that due to the drought and high temperatures the beets 'sleep' in some cases. Some fields are even irrigated again. The many hours of sunshine do increase the sugar content. The sugar content was slightly above 17% last week.

The beet harvest continues to run smoothly, with low tare percentages. Of the 7 million tons of beets to be harvested, more than 1 million tons have now been grubbed. Wheat that has just been sown also dries up in some places. This applies not only to the Netherlands, but also further into Europe.

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Damage known in Flanders
In Flanders, the damage from the drought is currently estimated at €270 million. Potato growers have suffered the greatest damage, according to the Boerenbond's representative. They have achieved an average of about 37% less yield.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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