The latest AHDB Harvest Report, published on 5th Sep last, reveals that the 2025
harvest has been one of the most challenging in recent memory, with
significant variability in yields across the country, within regions, and
even between neighbouring farms.

Despite reasonable progress – with most of England now finished and only
some cereals and pulses remaining in Scotland and Northern Ireland –
profitability concerns remain high. Falling prices throughout the year are
set to weigh heavily on farm incomes, compounding the effects of two
difficult consecutive seasons.

The wheat harvest is now 99.8% complete, with the average yield estimated
at 7.6t/ha. While this is up slightly since the last report due to stronger
yields in Scotland, it remains 6.1% below the 10-year average, with
significant variability between and within farms, regions, and across the
UK. While some farms have performed notably well, a large number have also
had some of the worst years on recent record.

The spring barley harvest is 89% complete. Early results from southern
England showed promise but reports further north have been more mixed. In
Scotland, high screenings have resulted in some crops failing to make
malting quality, leading to widespread malting rejections.

The oats harvest is 90% complete, with average yields estimated at 5.1t/ha,
around 5% below the five-year average, with quality under pressure,
particularly in spring crops.

Pulses have proved especially challenging, with yields averaging 15% below
the five-year average. Spring beans in particular suffered from drought,
and results have been highly variable across farms.

Despite recent rainfall slowing final progress in Scotland and Northern
Ireland, overall the 2025 harvest is significantly ahead of the pace of
recent years, with most winter cereals cut earlier than normal.

Olivia Bonser, AHDB Senior Analyst, said: “Harvest 2025 has delivered a
very mixed picture. Some crops have performed well, but many farmers are
contending with disappointing yields and weaker returns. Grain quality has
generally held up, which is encouraging, yet the financial reality is that
lower prices, and poor yields for many, are putting margins under strain.
The variation we’ve seen this season underlines just how challenging it
is for arable businesses to plan with certainty.”

The sixth AHDB Harvest Report of 2025 is currently due to be published on
Friday 19 September. However, as this is the final report, this date is
subject to change depending on harvest conditions over the coming days.