Agriculture under pressure: Göppingen allows crows hunt!

Agriculture under pressure: Göppingen allows crows hunt!

In the district of Göppingen, farmers are under pressure: The seeds are increasingly causing problems in the fields and in the orchards. These intelligent birds have developed into a real threat to the harvest, so that farmers now have to search for solutions. According to the reports of Stuttgarter Nachrichten The district farmers' association Göppingen has already applied for the hunting of seeds at the district and received the release for the "exhaustion" in particularly affected areas in May.

Although seeds in Germany are under strict protection, hunting is allowed in exceptional situations, such as the avoidance of major agricultural damage. The hunting permit currently applies until July 31, 2025 and enables almost 900 seed crows in an attempt to relax the situation. It is a remarkable U-turn, because so far these birds have been practically inviolable, as Agrarheute

comprehensive measures required

The challenges resulting from the crow population are not limited to Göppingen. In other parts of Baden-Württemberg, such as Appenweier, fruit and vegetable builders use emergency measures to protect their harvest. Thomas Wörner, an affected farmer, reports on massive damage to his young lettuce plants and strawberries, which he tries to ward off with nets, scarecrows and bright appliances. These measures are often limited locally, but can have significant economic effects, as in an article of the Augsburg general is.

In order to stop the crows, the state farmers' association recommends that the hunting is carried out by trained hunters. These have to camouflage and act accordingly, since crows are considered particularly clever animals. The drawing up of applications for hunting is also essential in order to receive the permits in good time. In some counties, temporary exceptions have already been issued to facilitate the hunting of seeds. These general orders serve to drive out the swarms by shooting on selected birds.

The discussion about the shooting of crows is not undisputed. The Nature Conservation Association (NABU) in Baden-Württemberg criticizes the measure and warns of possible negative consequences for the ecosystem. NABU speaker Alexandra Ickes emphasizes that the shooting could have negative effects on breeding birds and their young animals. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the measures of farmers can bring the hoped -for success and support long -term balance between agriculture and nature conservation.