Conseils & maintenance , Our News

Early Harvest 2026: Heat, Drought and Wildfire Risks Put Pressure on Farmers

An unusually early harvest season

The 2026 harvest season started several weeks earlier than usual in many parts of France, especially in western regions. In some areas, the first crops were harvested as early as the end of May, making this one of the earliest seasons in recent years.

This early start is mainly due to weather conditions observed throughout the spring. Farmers have had to adapt their schedules and rethink their usual working methods.

Beyond a simple shift in timing, this situation highlights how agricultural cycles are increasingly influenced by extreme weather conditions.

Heat and drought are accelerating crop maturity

June 2026 has been marked by high temperatures and a lack of rainfall across many regions.

These conditions have accelerated cereal crop maturity, forcing farmers to begin harvesting within shorter timeframes.

This requires greater responsiveness, as harvesting windows can be limited and weather conditions may change quickly.

A significant wildfire risk during harvest operations

High temperatures, strong winds and extremely dry vegetation have made wildfire prevention a major concern during the harvest season.

Dry fields can catch fire very easily, and agricultural machinery operating under intense conditions may generate sparks or overheating points.

As a result, every operation requires increased vigilance to reduce fire risks.

Working hours sometimes restricted by local authorities

Contrary to popular belief, there is no nationwide ban preventing farmers from working during the hottest hours of the day.

However, some local authorities may temporarily impose restrictions to reduce wildfire risks. These measures vary from one region to another.

Farmers often adapt by working early in the morning or later in the evening when conditions are safer.

Harvest organisation is becoming more complex

Farmers, agricultural contractors and machinery cooperatives must constantly adjust their operations according to several factors:

weather conditions;
local regulations;
team availability;
wildfire risks.

These additional constraints increase the pressure during an already demanding period of the year.

Reliable machinery is more important than ever

When the harvest season is concentrated into a shorter period, every working hour becomes crucial. A mechanical breakdown can quickly disrupt several operations.

Preventive maintenance should therefore be carried out before the season begins.

Key recommendations include:

performing a complete machine inspection;
checking wear parts;
inspecting hydraulic and electrical systems;
regularly cleaning equipment to remove dust and debris.

Particular attention should be paid to components such as cutter bars, knife sections, double fingers, chains and bearings.

Well-maintained parts help reduce friction, limit overheating and directly contribute to wildfire prevention.

For agricultural contractors and machinery cooperatives operating across several farms, equipment reliability is essential. A single breakdown can impact multiple businesses.

Today, maintenance is no longer only about preventing failures. It has become a key factor in ensuring safety, efficiency and successful harvest operations.

A new reality for harvest seasons

Harvest 2026 stands out not only because of its early start but also because of the new challenges it brings. Heatwaves, drought and increased safety measures are forcing farmers to adapt continuously.

These changes show that harvesting conditions are evolving and that anticipation has become essential for a successful season.