In Twente it is even drier than in 1976

These are tough times for farmers in the east of the Netherlands. For the second year in a row they are ravaged by a severe drought. The precipitation deficit in Twente is even greater than in the disaster year 1976, reports the Union of Water Boards. 

The precipitation deficit in the dry summer of 2018 was often mirrored to 1976, the driest year on record. Although the precipitation deficit is much smaller nationally this year, this comparison applies again for Twente and the Achterhoek.

Major precipitation deficit
In Twente, the precipitation deficit is 269 millimeters, where in 1976 it was about 250 millimeters at this time of year. The Achterhoek is just below that with a precipitation deficit of 242 millimeters. Nationally, the deficit is 176 millimeters. This is considerably more than the long-term average, but not nearly as large as it was some 40 years ago. 

According to Hein Pieper, the dikemaster at the Rijn en IJssel water board and the vice-chairman of the Union of Water Boards, the east of the country is having a hard time for the second year in a row. The drought has major consequences for the agricultural sector and nature. The farmers in this region are often left behind, as they are no longer allowed to irrigate since 18 July. 

Consequences for silage maize
If you drive through the east of the Netherlands, you will see that the maize fields are downright poor. There is therefore a threat of a local roughage shortage† Rain is forecast in the coming days, although the Achterhoek and Twente will again be poor. Next week the necessary rain is scheduled for the east of the Netherlands, although for now this is just a drop in the ocean. The precipitation deficit is likely to persist for the time being. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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