The cereal season is in full swing: farmers can expect a significant price increase, but a good harvest

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 10. 21. 10:37

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

This year has brought particularly great challenges to Hungarian agriculture: after the spring frost damage, the summer heat and drought also caused serious losses. Farmers are now focusing on sowing cereals, while it is becoming increasingly clear: adapting to changing weather conditions and conscious plant protection are essential in the future.

Rising costs, increasing risks

During the autumn sowing period, the future of cereals depends on the weather, market prices and the preparedness of farmers. Seed prices have increased by more than 10% this year, and the price of winter wheat and barley of the II. stage of reproduction can be more than 150 thousand forints per ton. This places a significant burden on farmers, especially when crop uncertainty is also increasing.

“Sowing cereals is always a strategic decision, as they form one of the most important bases of Hungarian agriculture. Now that costs have also increased, conscious planning is even more necessary”

– said Dr. Gerda Anikó, a plant specialist at Vitafer Hungária Kft.

According to the expert, farmers can no longer afford to make decisions based solely on habit. Weather extremes, weed and pest pressure, and market fluctuations all test producers.

October tasks for cereals

October is one of the most important months for cereals: this is when the sowing of winter wheat, barley, rye, and triticale takes place. The key to a successful season is a good seedbed, the right seed, and early stock protection.

Soil preparation and sowing time: the right moisture content of the soil and the quality of the seedbed are essential. Sowing too early increases the risk of pests and viruses, while sowing too late results in weaker bushiness.

Nutrient supply: phosphorus and potassium help root formation and winter hardiness, but nitrogen can also be applied in smaller quantities.

Crop protection: treated, certified seed is essential against fusarium and powdery mildew. In October, you should also pay attention to virus vectors aphids and cicadas.

“Prevention is the best defense in the autumn period. If sowing and early crop protection are in order, it can lay the foundation for the success of the entire season. Not only the yield, but also the quality is influenced by how consciously we prepare at this stage”

– emphasized dr. Gerda Anikó, who added that stock conditioning treatments and precision nutrient application are no longer an extra option, but a factor that increases competitiveness.