Early wheat yields are varying sharply after three summer heatwaves accelerated crop development and reduced output by as much as one third.
While grain quality has generally held up, with protein levels encouraging and specific weights around 80kg/hl, growers are reporting striking differences between crops, regions and soil types. The NFU says the results underline the growing impact of extreme weather on arable businesses. It is asking farmers to complete a harvest survey to strengthen its case to government.
Some first wheats are yielding one third less than average in places – despite decent protein levels and specific weights hovering around 80kg/ha. Winter barley appears less affected but again is variable, with yields ranging from 7t/ha to 9t/ha.
Differing results
“Prolonged dry conditions have accelerated crop development and brought harvest forward across many areas, but results are differing significantly by crop, region and soil type,” says NFU combinable crops chairman Jamie Burrows.
The NFU is urging growers to complete its short harvest snapshot survey. The goal is to generate a national picture of crop yields, quality and the impact of extreme weather on cereal crops and oilseeds.
“Harvest should mark the culmination of a year’s hard work, investment and risk taking, the point where we finally see a return on our commitment,” says Mr Burrows. Doing so will strengthen the NFU’s case to government. “Once again, many of us in arable businesses are facing serious challenges, from extreme weather and volatile input costs to further examples of unfairness within the supply chain.”
The first combines rolled into barley in late June. The UK’s 2026 oilseed rape harvest also saw one of its earliest starts on record, with prolonged summer heat bringing crops to maturity weeks before normal.
United Oilseeds estimates the national crop will total between 1.1 and 1.2 million tonnes, a significant increase on last year and a major step towards rebuilding domestic production. Much of this is due to increased area rather than a spike in yields.
That said, rape yields of 4.5- 5t/ha are being reported although oil contents are generally tracking slightly below last year’s exceptionally high levels. The early season has, however, created logistical challenges. Oilseed rape, winter barley and one of the earliest wheat harvests on record have all coincided, placing huge demand on haulage as crops have matured simultaneously rather than progressing gradually from south to north.
Right direction
United Oilseeds managing director James Warner says the harvest is another positive sign that confidence in oilseed rape is continuing to return. “There’s a real sense that oilseed rape is moving in the right direction again,” he adds. “Better establishment, lower pest pressure, favourable growing conditions and the willingness of growers to adopt new management approaches are all helping to rebuild confidence in the crop.”
Mr Warner added: “This harvest shows what oilseed rape can deliver when those factors come together.”