K&H: extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 19. 11:24

Weather is no longer a distant, theoretical risk, but a daily reality in Hungarian agriculture. In 2022, a drought and heat wave of such magnitude were experienced for the first time, which caused tangible, serious damage to producers – especially to spring-sown crops, including corn. Although many believed at the time that such a drought would only occur once every decade, practice and recent data show otherwise: in the next 10 years, we could face similar extremes two or three times.

“Climate change is here and is forcing us to consciously adapt to it. This affects not only our daily operations, but also our financial and investment strategies. This year is no exception: nationwide, 96–178 millimeters less precipitation fell than average in the 1-meter soil layer. Although there was precipitation at the beginning of July, this only temporarily alleviated the situation, the 90-day rainfall deficit is still significant. The damage was less severe for wheat, so a national harvest of approximately 5 million tons is expected, but the risk is much greater for spring-sown crops – especially corn. EU forecasts still speak of a national harvest of 4.5 million tons, but estimates of 3.5 million tons have already been published. If the August-September period remains dry, we could even come close to the 2022 low of 2.2 million tons”

– warned Zoltán Demeter, the Head of K&H’s agricultural business.

The expert highlighted: “Sustainability is now not only a gentlemanly passion of large companies, but also a guarantee of survival for all of us. If farmers do not consciously prepare for extreme weather and drought, it can lead to the collapse of their operations and finances. That is why investments and technologies are needed that help conserve water, strengthen soil protection and reduce production risks. K&H is a partner in this: with our financing and consulting solutions, we help prepare from the smallest producer to large farms. Furthermore, with our K&H agricultural CO2 calculator, we help farms to map the extent of their own carbon footprint. Those who act now can be the winners of the future – those who do not, the next drought can be the last warning.”