Rain Check: Europe's Silent Farming Crisis
Farmers across Europe face mounting anxiety as the driest spring in a century threatens crops—and there's no rain in sight.
A Century-High Drought
Northern and western Europe are facing their driest spring in 100 years. Regions known for rain—like the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK—are now parched, with little relief on the horizon. The lack of rainfall is turning farmlands into dustbowls just as crops begin their most vulnerable growing phase.
On the Ground: Stress and Struggle
In the Netherlands, farmer Hendrik Jan ten Cate remembers the 2018 drought well—it crushed his onion yields and left him injured after overworking himself pumping water. Today, he’s reliving the nightmare. “We need rain weekly now,” he warns.
Germany’s Sven Borchert, farming 1,700 hectares in Saxony-Anhalt, reports receiving half the normal rainfall. While his land holds moisture well, he knows that many others may not last the month.
The Bigger Picture: Climate and Cost
This isn’t just bad weather—it’s part of a larger pattern. Climate extremes are growing, with droughts responsible for over half of farming losses in the EU. A recent report estimates €28 billion in annual losses due to weather, yet most farmers remain underinsured.
Adapting in Dry Times
Farmers are trying to adapt. Techniques like drip irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and rainwater harvesting are gaining ground. Still, these measures require investment—and time. And time is not on their side.
Waiting on the Rain
For now, farmers are watching the sky. Nearly a third of Europe is already on drought alert, and some regions have hit critical levels. If the rain doesn’t come soon, losses could reach 30% or more.
In Europe’s fertile heartlands, hope now hangs on a cloud. And that cloud may not come.
What Comes Next?
As crops wither, another worry looms: what happens to livestock? With grass barely growing in some regions, animal feed supplies are tightening fast. How long can farmers sustain their herds? Will rising costs force reductions in livestock numbers?
And further down the chain—how will this ripple through the European meat market? Could we see shortages? Price spikes? Or permanent changes in how Europe produces and consumes meat?
In a season defined by silence from the skies, these are the questions echoing across the continent.