Figures released this morning by the Scottish government reveal the country’s cereal yields are the highest in 20 years. There were widespread fears for the Scottish harvest, which was dogged by rains, severely delaying harvesting and affecting quality.

The government figures show production increased between 2010 and 2011 by 346,000 tonnes (12.7 percent), bringing the total to 3.1 million tonnes. The increase is due to the increased plating area, which grew by 21,000 hectares (4.9 percent) and higher average yields, which were 7.5 per cent up at 6.9 tonnes per hectare. However, high moisture content due to the wet harvest weather meant more expense for farmers, due to drying. image expired

Total barley production increased in Scotland by 284,000 tonnes to 1.949 million tonnes; the figure, which is 17 per cent above average, should mitigate some maltsters’ fears over quality and abundance of wheat after a disappointing harvest in England and much of mainland Europe. The spring barley area increased by 21,000 hectares (8.5 per cent), alongside which yields increased by  12.4 per cent.

However, the results show winter barley production decreased by 8,400 tonnes, on a 5.3 percent decrease in area, although average yields did increase by 2.9 per cent. Analysts have posited that the increase in spring barley yield since last year may be due to favourable growing conditions in the spring a longer growing season, caused by the wet autumn and delay in crop harvesting.

Oat production followed the same trend; although area was down, oats yielded an average of 3.5 per cent higher than 2010.

Government statistics revealed wheat production increased by 66,000 tonnes (7.2 percent) to 984,000 tonnes on increased plantings and a 3.5 per cent rise in average yield (8.5 tonnes per hectare). Oilseed rape production also increased.  Production increased by 34 per cent on an increase in area and a dramatic 25.6 per cent jump in average yield.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the news, saying that the “disaster” Scottish farmers had feared with the onset of wet harvest weather had clearly been averted. He said,"It appears that the last gasp of summer has saved the harvest and, in particular, it is heartening to see average cereal yields increase by 7.5% to 6.9 tonnes per hectare - the highest level in 20 years.

"I appreciate it is not all good news for farmers, with the high moisture content leading to increased production costs and the delayed harvest leading to operational challenges. However, it is not the disaster we feared and compared to the rest of the UK, Scotland has seen greater increases in cereal, wheat and oilseed rape production which are to be welcomed."

The Scottish government said that this year’s cereal high yields, which are part of a long term trend, are likely due to improved efficiency in farming practices as well as the development and use of higher yielding crop varieties.