Harvest 2022 is now in the closing stages in most regions, with 95% of the total GB harvest complete as at 23 August. This pace exceeds the five-year average of 69% complete by this point in the season (week 7) and is slightly ahead of 2018 which was 85% complete by week 7.

As harvest is now complete in the southern part of England, the overall rate of progress has slowed. In week 7, just under 179Kha was cleared, compared with almost 900Kha in week 6.

The GB winter wheat harvest is estimated to be 98% complete, with the majority of the crop that is left to be cut in Scotland.

GB winter barley and winter oilseed rape (WOSR) harvests were completed in week 5 (w/e 09 August) and week 6 (w/e 16 August) respectively.

As at 23 August, the GB spring barley harvest was 81% complete, with 90% of the GB oat area also harvested.

Scattered heavy showers affected most regions in the past week, with lower temperatures too. The patchy nature of the rain meant that for many, showers were light or insignificant. Whilst others received sufficient rainfall to pause harvest or baling. However, the extended hot weather from the previous few weeks, meant that grains already had low moisture content. Therefore, grain moisture content was still at a suitable level to harvest once the rain stopped. Some farmers took the opportunity to drill WOSR when the combine was parked up. Many areas across England are in a declared region of drought.

Small quantities of grain have been dried in areas of localised rainfall, with conditioning of unripe grains required by some farmers to meet quality specifications. Hot grain that has needed cooling to ensure safe storage has continued to be a concern for farmers.

Combine fires continue to be a risk for many farmers, with dusty and dry conditions creating a high-risk environment. Water bowsers and tractors with a plough attached remain a common sight, ready to spring into action if a fire ignites.

For the full GB harvest update, find the full report here.