HORSCH Seminare 2025 – a review
The HORSCH Seminars 2025 offered a wide range of topics among which quality wheat took centre stage. The presentations dealt with production under N-limiting conditions, marketing and the requirements of processing. In addition to external experts, Michael and Philipp Horsch and Theo Leeb also offered insights into current and future developments.
The HORSCH Seminar has been taking place for over 20 years and has become a permanent part in the event calendar. Visitors traditionally gain valuable insights into current problems and challenges. But how are the topics of the programme actually chosen?
The selection of topics is based on the challenges that farmers face in the course of the year - like the previous harvest, economic losses or new legal requirements. At the same time, foreseeable developments that could become relevant in the next season are also included.
The speakers are carefully selected, and the content of their presentations is matched to create a coherent overall concept. The focus is on expertise, practical relevance and different perspectives - for example from consulting, science and business. The topics are deliberately chosen to provide impetus for the future. Participants are to take home concrete ideas on how they can develop their business strategically.
Seminar Schwandorf
Hubert Loick (Loick AG)
The HORSCH seminar in Schwandorf traditionally started with a social evening the day before at which Hubert Loick, CEO of Loick AG, gave a keynote speech on ‘Renewable energies in changing times - storage options and what battery storage can contribute’. His business area in the Loick Group primarily includes the generation of renewable energy. He specialises in the operation of biogas plants, ground-mounted PV, wind, hydrogen, bio-LNG and battery storage plants. More than 50 % of electricity already comes from renewable energies. These are subject to strong fluctuations in production (wind and sun). If, as predicted, the output of photovoltaics increases from the current 83 GW to 215 GW by 2030, and offshore and onshore wind together from the current 70 GW to 150 GW, storage capacities will have to grow from the current 7 GW to 91 GW. Hydrogen storage facilities could also play a decisive role in energy security in the future to compensate for long dark doldrums. The strong fluctuations in electricity generation (sun and wind) sometimes lead to a massive oversupply and a shortage at other times (during the course of the day and year). Storage facilities are needed to smooth out these strong fluctuations. Farmers often have locations close to good feed-in nodes where these storage facilities can be built. Stored biogas or the production of LNG or hydrogen also provide lucrative business opportunities for farmers. After the keynote speech, the focus was on dialogue and informal networking. The next morning, the seminar day started with the traditional presentations.
Prof. Dr Bernhard Bauer (Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences)
Ensuring protein quality in cereals requires targeted nutrient management that goes beyond nitrogen fertilisation. In his speech “How can we ensure protein quality with the current fertiliser level?”, Prof. Dr Bernhard Bauer explained that, in addition to nitrogen, sulphur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and molybdenum in particular play a central role in protein synthesis. Sulphur is essential for the formation of sulphur-containing amino acids. In order to effectively convert the limited nitrogen into protein, a targeted sulphur fertilisation strategy will be required in the future. A high pH value in the soil can limit the availability of sulphur fertilisation which requires an adapted strategy. Potassium and magnesium influence photosynthetic performance and the conversion of amino acids into proteins. A deficiency leads to the plant forming amino acids which, however, are not efficiently converted into proteins. Micronutrients in particular can tip the scales: zinc deficiency can cause free amino acids to accumulate instead of being linked to proteins. Manganese is involved in photosynthesis, while molybdenum is required for the conversion of nitrate into ammonium. Molybdenum deficiency can occur mainly on light, well-drained soils as it is easily washed out. In addition, high sulphur fertilisation can hinder the absorption of molybdenum.
Source: NU Agrar
During grain filling, protein is stored initially before starch storage dominates and dilutes the protein content. A later transfer of nitrogen from the leaves into the grain can improve the protein quality. However, too late nitrogen fertilisation in the form of nitrate can delay this process. Bauer emphasised that only a holistic nutrient management can ensure high protein quality. A co-ordinated fertilisation strategy, adapted to the soil and weather conditions, is crucial to optimise both yield and quality in the long term.
Konstanze Fritzsch (Saalemühle + Dresdener Mühle)
Proteins play a central role in the production of bakery products, but their importance goes beyond the mere protein content. In her presentation “Is protein everything? - The tension between customer requirements and agricultural conditions when marketing quality cereals”, Konstanze Fritzsch, grain buyer at Saalemühle and Dresdener Mühle, explained how proteins influence dough processing and which challenges are created by changing cultivation conditions and customer requirements.
The German milling landscape is closely linked to agriculture. While some mills work independently of local cultivation, others such as Saalemühle and Dresdener Mühle rely on direct co-operation with farmers. Every year, German mills process around 8 million tonnes of wheat, but the protein content has decreased in recent years, making it more difficult to obtain suitable qualities. The requirements on flour vary depending on the final product. While biscuits and waffles can manage with lower protein levels, toast, croissants or pizza dough require higher protein and gluten levels. Customers expect consistent quality, regardless of annual harvest fluctuations. At the same time, the demand for sustainable, regional and residue-free products is increasing - often without a willingness to pay higher costs.
The varieties differ from each other with regard to their protein quality. Not every variety automatically provides better baking properties due to higher fertilisation. Some varieties retain stable baking properties despite a low protein content which is why some mills use differentiated payment models. Another problem is the recording of the varietal purity. While large farms in eastern Germany cultivate specifically for certain requirements, this is more difficult in southern Germany with its smaller farm structures. Nevertheless, the milling groups and farmers there also co-operate to separate the quality more precisely. In the long term, the challenge remains to meet the requirements of the baking industry and the agricultural conditions. A close co-operation between farmers, retailers and mills is essential to secure high-quality cereals and remain competitive.
Philipp Schilling (Agricultural Market Podcast)
The grain market is influenced by many factors. In his speech “Grain market - How do markets work and what is the current market situation”, Philipp Schilling, farmer, former grain trader and part of the Agricultural Market Podcast, explained which mechanisms control price formation and which marketing strategies farmers can use. Prices are not only determined by supply and demand, but also by macroeconomic developments, geopolitical events and speculators on the futures markets. Funds in particular often trade wheat only on the basis of market trends and economic indicators without taking real trading flows into account. As a result, interest rates, inflation and exchange rates have a considerable influence on cereal prices.
The global wheat supply has changed: while stocks have fallen in recent years, demand remains cautious. High interest rates and economic uncertainties mean that buyers tend to wait and see. At the same time, Russia is putting pressure on the market with high export quantities. In Germany, exports to third countries have declined, while Poland and the Baltic States are expanding their market shares. In addition, Germany is increasingly competing with France for sales markets in North Africa which is made more difficult by the declining protein content of German wheat. This market situation is a major challenge for farmers. Many are selling their grain at below-average prices. Schilling recommends continuous, small-scale marketing to compensate for price fluctuations. It is also important to focus not only on the absolute price, but also on relative markets - like the comparison between wheat and rapeseed or the influence of fertiliser costs. In conclusion, Schilling emphasised that farmers should take a closer look at modern marketing strategies. Professional risk management which does not only optimise production but also sales is crucial for a long-term economic success.
Seminar Sehnde
As in previous years, there also was a HORSCH seminar in northern/ central Germany. This time, the second seminar took place in Sehnde. There was a colourful mix of participants who attended a HORSCH seminar for the first time and those for whom it has been a fixed date for years.
Eva Therhaag (Julius Kühn Institute Dossenheim)
Stolbur/SBR is a serious threat to the cultivation of sugar beet and potatoes and causes considerable yield losses, especially in the southern regions of Germany. Infested sugar beets are deformed and rubbery while potato plants are weakened and the tubers have poor storability. The vector is the reed cixiidae which absorbs and spreads the pathogen by sucking on infected plants.
Eva Therhaag, research associate at the Julius Kühn Institute, explained in her presentation "Stolbur/SBR: Is it already here? Current state of knowledge" that Stolbur has spread worldwide. In addition to cultivated plants, wild plants, too, serve as reservoirs for the pathogen. The Syndrome Basses Richesses (SBR) was first described in Burgundy in 1991 and often occurs in combination with bacterial infections which makes it even more difficult to control.
A central problem is the cicadas' way of life: they lay their eggs in the soil where the larvae overwinter. This makes direct control difficult, especially as the pathogen can be passed on to the next generation of cicadas. Warm, dry weather favours the reproduction of the cicadas which is why its spreading in Germany is increasing. Sugar beet and potato production are particularly affected but also many types of vegetables. For example, infested potato tubers often are no longer marketable. In Hesse, this already led to a drastic decline in potato cultivation.
Research and practical experts are working on various control strategies. These include plant protection strategies, variety resistance, crop rotation optimisation and mechanical measures like straw mulch to disrupt the egg laying of the cicadas. Moreover, new methods like RNA interference are tested to weaken the cicada population. In Italy, researchers are investigating whether vibration signals can prevent cicadas from reproducing. Stolbur/SBR and its impact on the various crops has been recognised by politicians and model regions in Germany with a high risk of infestation have been initiated to test alternative strategies. The close co-operation between science and practice is crucial to develop solutions and safeguard the affected domestic crops in the long term.
Dr. Rolf Peters (PotatoConsult UG)
The year 2024 brought major challenges for potato farmers: Wet conditions delayed planting, made tillage more difficult and increased costs. Dr Rolf Peters from PotatoConsult UG analysed the situation and gave practical recommendations in his presentation “Potato planting: learning from the experience of 2024”. One of the biggest challenges was the high price of seed potatoes in 2024 caused by reduced crop area and strict seed potato inspections. In addition, severe aphid infestation led to virus infections which meant that lots were excluded. The result was a shortage that forced farmers to find creative solutions - for example by adjusting the sorting or by cutting tubers. Due to the wet conditions in spring, many areas were cultivated late. Peters emphasised that it is not the calendar but the soil conditions that should determine the planting time. Compacted soils hinder root penetration which reduces nutrient uptake and yields. Uneven germination conditions were another problem: pre-germinated tubers sprouted more evenly, while damp or damaged tubers germinated more poorly and were more susceptible to disease. Plant quality and storage conditions had a significant impact on the subsequent yield. Soil compaction proved to be a key yield factor. High axle loads and incorrect tyre pressure led to massive yield losses. Targeted soil loosening at a depth of 25-30 cm was favourable while heavy compaction delayed the population. Interestingly, late planting did not necessarily result in lower yields: early planted potatoes often emerged unevenly in cold, wet soils while later plantings developed better in warmer soils. Peters recommends adapting the planting time flexibly to the soil conditions, avoiding compaction and using high-quality planting material. State-of-the-art technology alone is not enough - agronomic principles are crucial for an economical and reliable potato production.
Ferenc Kornis (N.U. Agrar GmbH)
Ensuring stable protein levels in wheat is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers. In his presentation "Protein content: What measures can we take to safeguard them?", Ferenc Kornis, Managing Director and crop consultant at N.U. Agrar, analysed the effects of fertiliser regulations, weather conditions and nutrient supply on protein content and presented practical solutions. Despite stable yields, protein levels are decreasing, making marketing more difficult and causing economic losses. The restriction of nitrogen fertilisation is one of the main reasons, but Kornis emphasised that other factors besides nitrogen play a decisive role. A central point is the optimal supply of nutrients. Sulphur improves nitrogen utilisation and protein synthesis. Tests show that targeted sulphur fertilisation cannot only increase protein content, but also yield. Potassium, too, is essential as it optimises the plant's water and nutrient uptake and thus indirectly influences protein formation. Micronutrients like zinc and molybdenum are often underestimated but play a major role. Zinc deficiency can significantly reduce protein synthesis as zinc is necessary for enzyme formation. Molybdenum, on the other hand, is essential for nitrogen utilisation in the plant. Kornis therefore recommended regular soil and plant analyses to identify deficiencies at an early stage and compensate for them in a targeted way. The weather also has a significant influence: the first 14 days after flowering are particularly essential. A cloudy, low-radiation period can reduce the protein content by up to 1.4 percentage points. In addition, drought or waterlogging affect the nutrient uptake and thus the protein synthesis. As a solution, Kornis recommended a more precise fertilisation strategy: in addition to nitrogen, sulphur and potassium, too, have to be available in sufficient quantities. Potassium should already be applied during vegetation. In addition, micronutrients like zinc and molybdenum should be added in a targeted way. His summary: decreasing protein levels are not solely due to reduced nitrogen applications. Farmers who optimise their nutrient management and take site conditions into account can ensure high protein levels and avoid economic losses despite regulatory restrictions.