Rhein-Kreis Neuss agriculture suffers from heat and corn smut

Extreme heat and prolonged drought in the Rhein-Kreis Neuss region of Germany have led to significant agricultural losses. Potato harvests are yielding smaller crops, which is expected to result in higher prices for consumers.

Additionally, corn crops are being affected by corn smut, a fungus that thrives in extreme heat. While the fungus does not pose a health risk to livestock when used as animal feed, it causes stunted growths instead of normal corn cobs. This presents financial risks for farmers producing corn for human consumption. However, the fungus is also known as the ‘Mexican truffle’ and is considered a culinary delicacy by some due to its earthy and smoky flavor.

Weather forecasts for North Rhine-Westphalia indicate a brief return to summer temperatures, reaching up to 32 degrees Celsius on Monday, before a significant cooling trend begins on Tuesday with rain and cloud cover.