High temperatures and drought conditions in Belgium have caused production losses in the agricultural sector.
Le Soir newspaper reported that extraordinary temperatures and drought are causing serious problems in many areas of agricultural production in Belgium. No significant improvement in weather conditions is expected in the near future.
Potato yield loss is estimated to be 30 percent due to lack of water during the growth period. If sufficient rainfall is not seen in the coming weeks, this loss is projected to reach 50 percent. The drought prevents potatoes from reaching the desired size, creating a risk for producers.
Grains that developed under relatively favorable weather conditions in spring were seriously affected by the drought in July following extreme heat at the end of June. Agriculture sector representatives described the current situation as
Livestock and dairy impact
Milk yield in Belgium has declined by between 30 and 40 percent due to the effects of heat stress on dairy cows. Extreme heat also increases mortality rates in chickens and leads to a decline in meat quality, while heat stress reduces egg production in poultry.
High temperatures and drought are causing concerns regarding an increase in feed costs. There are concerns that losses in grain production will drive up animal feed prices. Due to the drying of pastures, livestock that normally spend the summer in pastures have already begun feeding on feed reserved for the winter months.
The drought's effect across a wide part of Europe limits the ability of Belgian farmers to procure feed from other countries. Consequently, some livestock breeders in Belgium have started sending their animals to slaughter due to the possibility of having difficulty feeding their herds in the winter period.
