UK harvest yields show significant variability and decline

The UK harvest season is nearing completion, with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reporting disappointing and highly variable yields across several major crops. While harvesting is largely finished in most areas, remaining activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England has slowed due to wet weather and increased crop moisture levels.

Wheat yields are currently approximately 12 per cent below the five-year average. Oats are also underperforming, with average yields at 4.4 tonnes per hectare, representing a 17 per cent decrease from the average. Spring barley yields have seen a significant decline of 19 per cent. In contrast, winter barley yields remain broadly in line with the five-year average, and oilseed rape has emerged as a notable success, with average yields up 19 per cent compared to the five-year average.

Analysts note that significant differences in performance between farms are being driven by factors such as soil type, drilling dates, seed choice, and the use of organic fertilisers. The wide variation in both yield and quality continues to present challenges for crop management.