Farmers Rally at Oberschwabenschau 2025 Highlights Bureaucracy Concerns and Calls for Support in Agriculture

The Oberschwabenschau 2025 in Ravensburg, which attracted around 62,000 visitors, featured a significant farmers' rally where agricultural policies and bureaucratic challenges were focal points. Agriculture Minister Peter Hauk (CDU) addressed about 600 farmers from the Oberschwaben and Allgäu regions, emphasizing the need to reduce bureaucracy and reflecting on lessons learned from recent farmers' protests. Many farmers voiced frustration over excessive regulations and urged for greater support of small and medium-sized farms, which they feel are overwhelmed by current policies.

The event, described as quieter than previous years with more reserved purchasing behavior, included a citizen reception hosted by Ravensburg's Mayor Daniel Rapp (CDU). Social and Health Minister Manfred Lucha (Greens) spoke at the reception in place of the absent Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens).

New additions to the fair, such as the Handwerkergames, attracted hundreds of students, indicating ongoing engagement with younger generations despite the subdued atmosphere. The next Oberschwabenschau is scheduled for October 14, 2026, continuing the forum for dialogue between policymakers and the agricultural community.

This year's discussions brought to light the pressing concerns of bureaucratic burdens in agriculture and the need for policies that better support sustainable farm enterprises in Germany's rural sectors.