Farming News - UK harvest 25 per cent complete

UK harvest 25 per cent complete

The UK harvest is estimated to be 25 per cent complete, according to agricultural advisory service ADAS. Although a high degree of variability has been shown in crops harvested, following this year's challenging weather, yields are estimated to be down in a range of crops.  

 

Running contrary to the trend, oilseed rape has performed better than average this year. Plantings of the crop have increased and rapeseed yields are so far averaging at around 3.5 t/ha.

 

Wheat yields have been below average, yielding between 5 and 10.8 tonnes per hectare. Crops on lighter ground have been performing better, though those on heavier land have suffered, according to ADAS. Disease, especially fusarium, has also taken its toll this year.

 

Nevertheless, barley crops have maintained average yields, with ADAS figures currently standing at 6.3t/ha. Spring barley has yielded slightly lower than winter barley and the same variability observed in wheat has also affected barley yields.

 

Oat yields currently stand at between 5 and 8.5t/ha, though this figure is extremely provisional as the report said the oat harvest remains in its early stages.