Austrian Farms Reel as Heatwave Shrivels Crops and Forces Early Cattle Culling

Austria, typically known for its abundant water resources, is facing an agricultural crisis this summer as a relentless European heatwave dries out pastures and stunts crop growth. Farmers report unprecedented conditions that are forcing difficult decisions, including sending cattle to slaughter earlier than usual.

Johann Fessl, a dairy farmer in northern Austria whose cattle graze on Alpine pastures at 1,300 meters, described the situation as unprecedented. "We had no precipitation for weeks and we've never had such high temperatures in such a sustained way," he said. The lack of rain and intense heat have created a shortage of water and grass, compelling farmers to bring their herds down from the mountains prematurely.

This early descent means cattle will consume winter feed, such as last year's hay, much sooner than planned. The added cost of purchasing extra feed is pushing some farmers toward early slaughter. "There are some pastures where there are no more cattle already," Fessl noted, adding that the waiting list for slaughter is already long, with some discussing emergency slaughters.

The crisis extends beyond livestock. AgrarMarkt Austria, the national food production authority, forecasts the grain harvest will be 19% smaller this year. Corn, a water-intensive crop, is particularly hard hit. Farmer Roland Radner has already cut down most of his corn due to poor yields, leaving the remaining stalks a desiccated yellow instead of their usual green.

Even greenhouse cultivation is suffering. In Leonding, near Linz, Barbara Stemberger and Fritz Hummer grow 30 varieties of tomatoes. Much of their harvest has been ruined by blossom-end rot, a condition exacerbated by extreme heat, leaving dry, grey-brown patches on the fruit. "The tomatoes are still edible if you cut away the rotten parts, but we can no longer sell them as they are," Hummer said.

Despite the widespread damage, there is a small silver lining for some. "The carrots are thriving exceptionally this year because of the heat," Stemberger said, offering a glimmer of hope amid a challenging season.