Seasonal Calendar: When German Farms Hire Most

Germany's agricultural industry employs over 900,000 seasonal workers every year, making it one of Europe's largest employers in farming. But timing is everything — knowing when farms are hiring can be the difference between landing your dream job and missing the window entirely.

At bauernjobs.de, we've analyzed hiring patterns across German farms to create this comprehensive seasonal calendar. Whether you're a first-time farm worker or a seasoned agricultural professional, this guide will help you plan your job search.

Spring (March – May): The Season Kicks Off

Spring is when German agriculture truly comes alive. As the frost retreats and fields dry out, farms shift into high gear — and the demand for workers surges.

March – Early Spring

Asparagus farms begin hiring in large numbers. Germany is Europe's largest asparagus producer, and the "Spargelsaison" (asparagus season) is a cultural institution. Farms in Lower Saxony, Bavaria, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia need thousands of workers for hand-harvesting.
Greenhouse and nursery operations ramp up for spring planting season, requiring workers for seeding, transplanting, and plant care.
Dairy farms prepare for increased spring production as cows go out to pasture.

April – May

Strawberry farms begin hiring pickers, especially in Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Field crop farms need workers for planting potatoes, sugar beets, and corn.
Organic farms require extra hands for manual weeding and soil preparation.
Vineyard work begins in wine regions (Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden, Franconia) with pruning and canopy management.

💡 Pro tip: If you want to work in asparagus harvesting, apply by January or February. The best positions fill up fast!

Summer (June – August): Peak Hiring Season

Summer is the absolute peak for agricultural employment in Germany. Almost every type of farm is operating at full capacity, and the demand for workers is at its highest.

June

Strawberry harvest reaches its peak — this is when the most pickers are needed.
Cherry and berry farms (raspberries, blueberries, currants) begin their harvest season.
Asparagus season ends on June 24 (Johannistag), but many workers transition to other crops.
Hay making on livestock farms requires additional workers.

July

Grain harvest begins — wheat, barley, and rye farms need combine operators and support workers.
Vegetable farms are in full swing with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.
Fruit farms continue with cherries, plums, and early apples.

August

Apple and pear harvest begins in major growing regions like the Altes Land near Hamburg and Lake Constance (Bodensee).
Potato harvest starts in late August.
Grain harvest continues, along with straw baling and storage.
Second hay cut on livestock farms.

💡 Pro tip: Summer jobs often come with accommodation on the farm, especially in more rural areas. Ask about housing when you apply!

Autumn (September – November): Harvest Home

Autumn is Germany's second-biggest hiring period. The major harvests are in full swing, and farms race to bring in crops before winter.

September – October

Wine harvest (Weinlese) — this is one of the most iconic seasonal jobs in Germany. Vineyards in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Franconia hire thousands of pickers. Many jobs include meals and accommodation.
Apple and fruit harvest continues and peaks.
Sugar beet harvest — large-scale farms in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt need workers for machine-assisted harvesting.
Potato harvest peaks across northern and eastern Germany.
Corn (maize) harvest for silage and grain.
Pumpkin harvest has grown significantly in recent years.

November

Late apple varieties are still being harvested.
Field preparation for winter crops (winter wheat, winter barley) creates some demand.
Christmas tree farms begin hiring for cutting and sales season.
Farm shops and direct marketing operations hire for the holiday season.

💡 Pro tip: The wine harvest is a fantastic experience. Many workers return year after year and build lasting relationships with vineyard owners.

Winter (December – February): The Quiet Season

Winter is the slowest period for seasonal agricultural work, but that doesn't mean there are no opportunities.

Livestock farms (dairy, pig, poultry) operate year-round and often hire in winter when summer workers leave.
Christmas tree sales peak in December.
Farm maintenance and repair — many farms use the quiet season for equipment maintenance, building repairs, and infrastructure projects.
Forestry work — winter is peak season for logging and woodland management.
Greenhouse operations continue year-round, growing vegetables and flowers for spring.
Food processing facilities (meat processing, dairy plants) maintain steady employment throughout winter.

💡 Pro tip: Winter is the best time to apply for spring and summer positions. Farms plan their seasonal workforce months in advance.

Year-Round Opportunities

Some agricultural jobs are available throughout the year:

Farm managers and supervisors — permanent positions with responsibility for daily operations.
Agricultural mechanics and technicians — maintaining and repairing farm equipment.
Dairy farm workers — milking, feeding, and animal care are daily tasks regardless of season.
Organic farm workers — organic operations often need year-round help for diversified production.
Agricultural office and administration — bookkeeping, planning, and compliance roles.
Veterinary and animal health — continuous care for livestock.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Based on our experience connecting workers with farms across Germany, here are our top recommendations:

Apply early. The best seasonal positions are filled 2-3 months before the season starts. Don't wait until the harvest begins!
Create your profile on bauernjobs.de. Farmers actively search our platform for workers. A complete profile with your experience and availability significantly increases your chances.
Be flexible with location. While some regions are more popular, farms in less well-known areas often offer better conditions and are easier to get hired at.
Highlight relevant experience. Even non-agricultural experience can be valuable — physical fitness, outdoor work experience, and reliability all matter to farmers.
Consider multiple seasons. Many farms prefer workers who can commit to more than one season. If you can work from asparagus through strawberries, or from grain harvest through wine harvest, you'll be more attractive to employers.

Start Your Farm Job Search Today

Ready to find your next agricultural job in Germany? Browse current openings on bauernjobs.de — Germany's dedicated platform for farming and agricultural jobs. New positions are added daily, and you can set up job alerts to be notified when opportunities matching your interests become available.

Whether you're looking for a short-term seasonal position or a long-term career in agriculture, the right time to start looking is now.