Prices for Christmas trees in Saxony largely stable
For many families in Saxony, the search for a suitable Christmas tree will soon begin again. Prices will remain largely stable this year - only some items will become more expensive.
News zu #Agriculture
Frost damage - EU crisis aid for fruit growing and viticulture starts
In April, frost caused severe damage to vines and fruit trees. Aid is available for affected farmers.
Organic farming in Saxony continues to grow
Organic products are in vogue - not only among some consumers, but also among farmers. With positive effects for the state.
Danger averted: Stall obligation for poultry in the Vogtland ends
Following an outbreak of avian influenza, colloquially known as bird flu, parts of the Vogtland region were required to keep poultry indoors. Now ducks, geese and chickens are allowed outside again.
Nutrition summit in Halle: focus on specialists and costs
The challenges facing the industry became clear at the Central German Food Summit. Representatives discussed the demands and how the future should be shaped in Halle.
Surveillance zone for avian influenza control lifted
The spread of bird flu has been prevented for the time being in Markranstädt near Leipzig. The risk of infection is still classified as high.
Wolf expert recommends targeted protective hunting of problematic wolves
What to do with the wolf: The wild animal is to be less strictly protected in future due to attacks on sheep, cattle and horses. There are a number of things to consider when moving forward.
Saffron harvest starts in Saxony and Thuringia
Saffron cultivation is still a rarity in this country. Nevertheless, experts in Saxony and Thuringia harvest the red threads from the saffron blossoms every October - and this should not remain rare.
Existence threatened: Saxon carp producers fight for survival
Many fish farms in Saxony are up to their necks in water. Rising costs, regulations from the authorities and an increase in fish predators are making life difficult for them. The state wants to give them more money.
Fishermen expect average carp season
Fall is the time for carp. This is when the Saxon ponds are fished. In many places, this is celebrated as a folk festival. Consumers have to reckon with higher prices.
Saxon Elbe Valley ends grape harvest with small crop but high quality
Late frosts caused severe damage to the vineyards in Saxony's Elbe Valley. Despite a second flowering, significantly fewer grapes ripened as expected - but one hope of the winegrowers was fulfilled.
Grape harvest completed in Saxony's Elbe Valley: Quality over quantity
Late frosts caused severe damage to the vineyards in Saxony's Elbe Valley. Despite a second flowering, significantly fewer grapes ripened as expected - but one hope of the winegrowers was fulfilled.
Frost damage - fruit and wine growers can apply for help
Many fruit and wine growers in Saxony were also caught cold in spring. A mild start to the year allowed fruit trees and vines to sprout early. Night frosts followed from mid-April.
Grape harvest continues - especially for Riesling
In 2023, the weather required a turbo harvest in just a few weeks. In 2024, it took longer. But the capricious weather is also causing problems for winegrowers.
Decline in the number of employees in Saxony's agricultural sector
Agricultural work is considered difficult and often requires overtime, especially at harvest time. Fewer and fewer people are working in the sector - and not just in Saxony.
Avian flu outbreak in Vogtland: domestic poultry affected
Avian influenza, colloquially known as bird flu, can cause major problems for livestock farmers. This is because it is highly contagious for domestic poultry. There is now an outbreak in Saxony.
Bluetongue disease spreads in Central Saxony
After a first case of bluetongue disease at the beginning of September, there are further outbreaks in the district of Central Saxony. A total of 14 cases of the animal disease have been registered.
Festive opening of the apple season in Saxony canceled
The late frosts in spring had already caught flowering fruit trees cold. As a result, the apple harvest in Saxony was catastrophic. The association reacts.
Minister of Agriculture honors 100 years of stallion parades in Moritzburg
The Moritzburg Stallion Parades are celebrating their 100th anniversary. Every year, they are a showcase and spectacle for breeders and horse fans from Germany and abroad.
Drought in Saxony puts farmers under pressure
Winter barley and winter wheat have been sown in the fields. They are currently lacking one important thing to thrive.
Frosty nights reduce grain harvest in Saxony
Saxony is expecting a significantly lower grain harvest this year than last year. Important cereals such as winter wheat are particularly affected - but there are also positive exceptions.
Hoyerswerda hosts the 2025 State Harvest Festival
Mittweida is followed by Hoyerswerda: the town in Lusatia will host the harvest festival next year.
Start of the grape harvest at Schloss Wackerbarth in Radebeul
Late frost has left severe damage in the vineyards of Saxony's Elbe Valley. Despite a second flowering, significantly fewer grapes are ripening on the vines - the first ones are now being harvested.
Bluetongue disease spreads in Saxony
Bluetongue has been spreading among cattle and sheep in Germany since the beginning of July. There is now a case in the district of Leipzig.
Frost damage threatens Saxony's cideries
Every year, many Saxons bring apples, quinces and the like from their gardens and orchards to the cideries. But the harvest threatens to be a total failure. The result: rising prices.
Christmas tree producers in Saxony expect prices to rise in 2024
Some Christmas tree producers in Saxony are expecting prices to rise in 2024. Nevertheless, the Christmas tree should remain affordable for everyone.
Suspected case of bluetongue disease in the Vogtland region
So far, there has been no known case of the current bluetongue disease in cattle or sheep. However, the Vogtland district has now reported a suspected case.
Frosty nights in April: fewer Saxon apples expected
The late frosts in spring have already caught flowering fruit trees, shrubs and perennials cold in Saxony. There is more fruit than expected - but significantly less than usual.
Decline in sunflower cultivation in Saxony
A field of sunflowers can earn the grower a lot of money. In Saxony, the area under cultivation is stagnating at a low level. Why is that?
Bluetongue disease in cattle: Saxony takes measures
Bluetongue has not yet been detected in cattle and sheep in Saxony. However, following an outbreak in Saxony-Anhalt, the state is taking precautionary measures.
Millions for wall renovation in Wackerbarth's top locations
Stellagen and terraced vineyards characterize the cultural landscape of Dresden's Elbe Valley. Created at the beginning of the 17th century, the vineyards are architectural monuments, tourist magnets and the basis for elegant wines.
Number of forest fires in Saxony at a similar level to 2023
The 2024 forest fire season shows unusual developments in Saxony. Special measures and human behavior play a decisive role.
Saxon viticulture suffers from crop failures
The vineyards in Saxony's Elbe Valley have green leaves and the vines have sprouted again after the late frost. However, fruit is rare, depending on the location - but there could be top wines.
Many details on the livestock logo in Saxony are still missing
Most pig farmers in Saxony have missed the deadline for reporting the type of farming. What consequences can this have?
New law allows Demecan to grow more cannabis
The German producer Demecan is now allowed to grow unlimited amounts of cannabis. The company speaks of a turning point in supply.
34 wolf packs and 5 wolf pairs in Saxony - monitoring results 2023/2024
According to preliminary monitoring results, there are 34 wolf packs, 5 wolf pairs and 2 territorial individuals in Saxony. The wolf population is still concentrated in eastern Saxony.
Wolf monitoring in Saxony: 34 packs, 5 pairs and 2 single animals according to preliminary results
Preliminary results show that 34 wolf packs, 5 wolf pairs and 2 territorial individuals live in Saxony. The focus is on eastern Saxony.
Sage harvest underway - demand on the rise
The production halls at Bombastus-Werke smell like the Mediterranean again these days. This is because the harvest of aromatic sage leaves is in full swing. Business is booming.
Start of harvest: Farmers also expect late frost damage
Saxony's farmers have started harvesting. There are no yield forecasts - partly due to the weather conditions.
Forest fire danger increases in Saxony
The risk of forest fires has increased throughout Saxony compared to the weekend. There is a medium risk in large parts of the state, but two areas are in the high risk zone.
Forests well supplied with water before the start of midsummer
A series of drought years have taken their toll on Saxony's forests. Things are looking better this year. However, the height of summer is still to come.
Saxony's asparagus farmers satisfied with this year's harvest
Before the traditional end of the asparagus harvest, asparagus farmers in Saxony are satisfied with this year's season.
Saxony's forests well supplied with water - average forest fire season so far
Saxony's forests are well supplied with water before the start of midsummer. The forest fire season has been average so far.
Fruit growers: Significant losses in cherry harvest in Saxony
The cherry harvest in Saxony has almost completely failed due to the frost. Frost damage could become more frequent in the future due to climate change.
Frost damage: aid decided for fruit and wine growers
The Saxon cabinet has approved aid for fruit and wine growers affected by frost damage. The fruit growers had already had difficult times in recent years due to the drought, said Agriculture Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) on Tuesday after the cabinet meeting in Dresden. For some, the question had ..
Organic farming on the rise in Saxony
More than 800 farms in Saxony operate organically - doubling since 2010
Saxony Winegrowers' Association expects yield losses of 34 million euros
Damage caused by late frosts leads to yield losses of around 34 million euros in the Saxony Winegrowers' Association.
Strawberry harvest in Saxony significantly lower than last year
Saxony's fruit growers are expecting a significant drop in the strawberry harvest this year, with 1200 tons only half as much as last year.
Renaissance of old grain varieties in the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve
Old grain varieties have been cultivated in the biosphere reserve since 2007 and regional processing cycles have been established.
No financial aid for Saxon fruit and wine growers after frost damage
Saxon fruit and wine growers receive no financial aid from the general budget of the Free State following immense frost damage. Ministry of Finance confirms lack of opportunities.
Escaped bull shot dead in Oberwiesenthal
A runaway 600 kg bull in Oberwiesenthal was shot by the gamekeeper after it was spotted on Thursday.
Saxony's environment minister promises financial aid for fruit and wine growers after frost damage
Saxony's Environment Minister holds out the prospect of aid for affected fruit and wine growers after frost damage caused immense damage.
Aid promised for fruit and wine growers
Just over a month after the immense frost damage, the Saxon Environment Minister has promised financial aid for Saxony's fruit and winegrowing businesses. "I am firmly committed to Saxon fruit and wine growing. There will be decisive aid," said Wolfram Günther (Greens) according to a press release o ..
Police search for escaped bull and warn the public
The police are warning people in Oberwiesenthal (Erzgebirgskreis) about an escaped bull. According to the police, it became known on Monday that the 600-kilogram white and yellow spotted bull had escaped. The animal is said to have wandered into a wooded area above a quarry between Hammerunterwiesen ..
Saxony warns of poisonous spring ragwort: control urgently recommended
The poisonous spring ragwort is spreading in Saxony, state office recommends combating it. Plant contains harmful substances.
Günther: Disastrous situation in fruit growing and viticulture
After the sub-zero temperatures at the end of April, Saxony's fruit and wine growers are facing huge harvest losses. A decision on support for the farms is to be made in the coming weeks.
Alida-Nadine Kühne is Saxony's new flower queen
22-year-old pharmacy student from Döbeln crowned Blossom Queen. Represents the Fruit Growers' Association of Saxony & Saxony-Anhalt.
Association assumes loss of millions on orchards
The frosty nights two weeks ago caught the already blossoming fruit trees, shrubs and perennials in Saxony off guard. The consequences are worse than feared.
Association assumes loss of millions on orchards
The frosty nights two weeks ago caught the already blossoming fruit trees, shrubs and perennials in Saxony off guard. The consequences are worse than feared.
Winegrowers after sub-zero temperatures: "2024 harvest largely passé"
Temperatures far below zero have caused major damage to Saxony's vineyards despite frost protection measures. The vines sprouted particularly early this year.
Bombastus-Werke in Freital wants to expand its site
Bombastus-Werke in Freital near Dresden plans to expand its site in the medium term and is investing in new machinery and technology.
Fruit growers worried about late frosts: damage to winegrowers
A mild winter and summer temperatures in March have resulted in premature fruit blossom. The vines are also already bearing fruit - and this could now take its toll.
Rental prices for agricultural land well below the national average
Farmers in Bavaria leased two thirds of the agricultural land used in 2023. The prices for this are comparatively low. The front-runner NRW paid more than twice as much.
Agra 2024 opens: Focus on the future of agriculture
The future of agriculture is on the minds of farmers and politicians at the Agra 2024 agricultural exhibition, which kicked off in Leipzig on Thursday. "The focus is very much on agriculture right now. This also has a lot to do with the farmers' protests we have seen in recent months," said Saxony's ..
Bark beetle season in Saxony starts early
The bark beetle season has started early in Saxony, forest owners should act now.
Increase in the number of organic farms
The trend in agriculture towards switching from conventional to organic farming is also continuing in Saxony. The number of farms with organic livestock farming also increased in 2023.
Saxony's Ministry of Agriculture supports environmentally and climate-friendly agriculture with 26 million euros
The Saxon Ministry of Agriculture is transferring 26 million euros to applicants for environmental and climate-friendly measures in agriculture.
Egg production in Saxony in 2023 below the previous year
Saxony's laying hens produce millions of eggs every year. In 2023, however, they were less industrious - but the level was above the national average.
Easter too early for asparagus farmers in Saxony
For many, fresh asparagus is a must on the table at Easter. However, it usually takes a little while before the noble vegetable from the region ends up on the plate.
BUND calls for restructuring of agriculture in Saxony
Fewer farm animals are good for the environment. This is at least true for pigs and cattle. Environmentalists are therefore pushing for a reduction in livestock numbers.
Saxon asparagus farmers hope for sunshine
In many households, the first asparagus from the region is traditionally served at Easter. Whether this will work this year is uncertain due to the weather.
Several associations reject agricultural structure law
Several Saxon agricultural associations reject the draft agricultural structure law from the house of Agriculture Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens). The Saxon State Farmers' Association (SLB) and other interest groups announced in Dresden on Friday that a legal course was needed to support farmers a ..
Police investigate after farmers' protests on the A72 near Zwickau
Following farmers' protests on and near the Autobahn 72 near Zwickau, the police are investigating a violation of the Assembly Act.
Farmers occupy highway bridges in Saxony
Farmers in Saxony protest on highway bridges against the reduction of agricultural diesel subsidies.
Protests: Farmers want to block highway bridges
Drivers could face traffic jams on Thursday evening. Farmers want to take their protest to Saxony's highways.
Greens insist on agricultural structure law in Saxony coalition
The Greens are campaigning for the jointly agreed agricultural structure law in the Saxony coalition and want to put it to a vote in the state parliament in May.
A good 70 million euros for the future of agriculture
In the next three years, investments in agriculture in Saxony will be funded with more than 70 million euros. Projects in animal and plant production, processing and marketing, the digitalization of business processes and the establishment of agroforestry systems will be supported, the Ministry of A ..
Kretschmer in favor of reducing bureaucracy in agriculture
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer wants to relieve farmers of unnecessary bureaucracy. European standards must be adhered to, but the additional German regulations must be abolished, said the CDU politician at the start of the 2nd Saxon Farmers' Day in Döbeln on Friday. This was the onl ..
CDU parliamentary group blocks agricultural structure law in Saxony
The CDU parliamentary group in the Saxon state parliament rejects the planned agricultural structure law and is thus blocking a project of its Green coalition partner.
WG Wolf presents criteria for shooting "problem wolves"
The wolf is strictly protected in Germany. It has only been native again for a good 30 years, but is spreading rapidly. Livestock farmers are concerned about this, as sheep and goats are also prey.
Farmers protest in Poland against EU agricultural policy
German, Polish and Czech farmers demonstrated together on the Polish side of the border crossing near Bogatynia on Saturday against EU agricultural policy and the import of cheap agricultural products from Ukraine. As the chairman of the "Land Creates Connection" initiative announced on site on Satu ..
Farmers protest in Poland against EU agricultural policy
German, Polish and Czech farmers demonstrated together on the Polish side of the border crossing near Bogatynia on Saturday against EU agricultural policy and the import of cheap agricultural products from Ukraine. As the chairman of the "Land Creates Connection" initiative announced on site on Satu ..
Nine wineries promote Saxon wine at trade fair
Saxon winegrowers will be promoting fine wines from the region at the international trade fair "ProWein" (March 10 to 12). "The trade fair offers an excellent opportunity to introduce Saxony's excellent wine products to a knowledgeable trade audience," said Thomas Horn, Managing Director of Saxony's ..
Government wants better exchange with farmers
The Saxon government wants to pay more attention to the concerns of farmers and maintain a better exchange with their interest groups. On Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture held the kick-off meeting for a dialog aimed at supplementing existing discussion formats. In addition to Agriculture Minister ..
More and more small winegrowers in Saxony are giving up
The number of small winegrowers in Saxony continues to decline. As the State Environment Agency announced in Dresden on Friday, more than 2000 of them have thrown in the towel in the past 20 years. While there were 3652 small winegrowers in 2007, by 2023 there were only 1301. One reason for this is ..
Peak season for lambs: Wolves remain a problem
Saxony's shepherds currently have their hands full at the height of the lambing season. On average, each sheep has one to two young. According to the Saxon Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association, the current price for lamb (live) is between 3.55 and 3.60 euros. However, it could still rise if demand i ..
Shrub berry harvest in Saxony significantly higher again
After the harvest collapsed by 70 percent in the drought year 2022, there were significantly more bush berries in Saxony last year - despite the drought in early summer and sales difficulties.
Polish farmers block highway near Frankfurt (Oder)
Polish farmers have blocked the highway to Germany near the border at Frankfurt (Oder) with tractors, causing severe traffic delays.
Sheep farming in Bavaria increases by 4.1 percent compared to the previous year
In Bavaria, 264,000 sheep are currently kept by 2,000 farmers, which corresponds to an increase of 4.1 percent compared to the previous year.
Wet fields cause problems for farmers
Permanent rain and large amounts of water are causing problems for some farmers in Brandenburg. Especially in the lowlands, "nothing is working at the moment", said farmer Peter de Vries from Werder (Havel). Work such as rolling and harrowing the fields is not possible and some of the fields are no ..
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir and DLG President Hubertus Paetow campaign for less bureaucracy in agriculture
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir and DLG President Hubertus Paetow advocate less bureaucracy in agriculture in order to create more time for the actual work.
Change in agricultural diesel subsidies becomes a condition for growth package
Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer links the agreement of the CDU/CSU-led federal states to a planned growth package of the traffic light coalition to changes in the agreed reduction of agricultural diesel subsidies.
Kretschmer calls agricultural cuts a "list of cruelties"
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer has once again spoken out against the German government's planned cuts to agricultural diesel. "I have promised that we will not agree to this reduction in the Bundesrat on Friday," said the CDU politician ahead of the foreign cabinet meeting in Oschatz ..
Farmers demonstrate in Magdeburg
Under the slogan "Too much is too much", hundreds of farmers and foresters from several federal states protested against the federal government's budget policy in Magdeburg on Sunday afternoon. Many demonstrators drove to Magdeburg Cathedral Square on tractors, honking their horns loudly. Signs and ..
Farmers demonstrate in Magdeburg
Under the slogan "Too much is too much", hundreds of farmers and foresters from several federal states protested against the federal government's budget policy in Magdeburg on Sunday afternoon. Many demonstrators drove to Magdeburg Cathedral Square on tractors, honking their horns loudly. Signs and ..
Saxony's farmers receive overdue EU subsidies
The conflict over EU subsidies for Saxon farmers has finally been settled. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the payments have been credited to the farms' accounts since Friday. The federal treasury had transferred them on Thursday. Specifically, this involves around 241 million euros for ar ..
Saxon farmers to receive EU subsidies in January
Farmers in Saxony are to receive the EU subsidies, which were expected in December, in January.
Günther: Food industry in a stable position
Saxony's Agriculture Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) has attested to the good development of the food industry in the state. The industry is in a stable position, but has had turbulent years behind it, he said on Monday at the Green Week in Berlin. "Extreme weather, increased input prices and the ..
Kretschmer invites farmers' representatives to the cabinet
Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has invited representatives of farmers to the cabinet meeting next Tuesday. The state government is talking to farmers - the federal government must do the same, he explained in a statement on Thursday. "We need a policy of listening and mutual understanding." ..
Farmers warn against selling off agriculture
Farmers from Saxony demonstrated on Thursday against the excessive influence of foreign investors on agriculture. The background to this was a public hearing on the state government's draft agricultural structure law. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft bäuerliche Landwirtschaft Mitteldeutschland (ABL) wanted t ..