In view of higher energy costs and the uncertain market outlook in the corona crisis, German farmers continue to expect difficult conditions.
Mainly because of the drastic losses among pig farmers, the farms 'profits dropped by an average of 15 percent to 52,100 euros in the 2020/21 financial year, which ended at the end of June, as the farmers' association (DBV) announced in Berlin on Thursday.
At times, significantly smaller slaughter capacities due to corona outbreaks in slaughterhouses and the African swine fever that appeared in Germany hit the warehouse - as a result, exports and prices plummeted.
"The corona pandemic has also hit many farms hard: The persistent, ruinous producer prices for slaughter pigs and piglets are threatening the very existence," said Farmer President Joachim Rukwied.
The economic situation is still "tense".
According to the information, pig farmers have now lost more than two thirds of their company profits.
In contrast, the results in cattle and dairy farming improved, while the profits of organic farms rose sharply.
To what extent the situation will recover overall is uncertain.
Sharply risen prices for rapeseed and grain, for example, are offset by sharp increases in the purchase of feed, fertilizers and energy.
According to the DBV, pig producers will initially continue to be under economic pressure.
Much now depends on market developments in the first half of 2022.