The cereal harvest is now complete for those reporting to AHDB's 2025 survey.

Thanks to extreme weather conditions this year, harvest 2025 has been extremely challenging for many growers and the overriding message from it is one of considerable variability.

Even where yields have been above expectations from earlier in the year, price declines throughout the course of the year will have had a significant impact on profitability of arable farms.

Spring barley

Screenings remain a key issue for Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland. This is leading to a high degree of malting rejections and with weaker demand is making marketing the crop a challenge. The headline UK yield estimate is unchanged at 5.8 t/ha – similar to the five - and 10 - year averages. But it is important to note that the volume of 'available' crop is likely to be lower than this due to the high level of screenings.

Oats

Based on the sample of farms in this survey, the average UK oat yield is estimated at 5.2 t/ha. This represents a slight increase from our previous report (5.1t/ha) but is still 5 per cent below the 10-year average. There has also been significant variation in oat yields this year.

Wheat 

Based on the sample of farms in this survey, the average UK wheat yield is estimated at 7.6 t/ha. This is 6.1 per cent below the ten-year average. But there is significant variation in yield and some growers have experienced far lower yields. Wheat quality remains largely positive.

Winter barley and oilseed rape – no further data, as both harvests finished in August.

Helen Plant, Senior Analyst, Cereals & Oilseeds, said: "Overall, the 2025 harvest progressed quickly with little need to dry crops, though rainfall slowed the pace of harvest towards the end. However, there are considerable variations in yield both within and between regions. It's important not to lose sight of how difficult this year has been for so many farmers."

With harvest complete, attention now turns to establishing next year's crops. Many farmers have been out this week spraying off weeds in advance of establishing winter cereals.