Wheat, barley and canola yields in the UK are below the 5-year average

Prolonged rain and pests are having a negative impact on wheat, winter barley and canola yields in the UK, causing problems for local farmers.

The winter barley harvest is almost complete, and yields vary greatly by region, averaging just 6.3 t/ha, down 11% from the 5-year figure. In the Eastern region, the productivity exceeded the average 5-year indicator by 22%, in the South-Eastern region it corresponded to it, and in all other regions it was lower. The worst yield was recorded in the East Midlands, where it was 21% below the average.

Rapeseed harvesting is also complete and yields are below average in all but the eastern region. At the same time, in eastern farms, crops are damaged by the cabbage stem flea. The average yield of rape decreased compared to the 5-year indicator by 9% to 2.93 t/ha, in particular in Yorkshire and the Humber - by 29%, in the West Midlands and in the South West - by more than 20%.

Wheat in Great Britain is harvested on 37% of the area, in particular in the East Midlands - on 65%, and in the South East - on 48% of the area. Due to unfavorable weather, certain winter varieties were sown later than normal, and the areas under spring wheat were larger than usual. The yield is 7% below the 5-year average, and it has decreased in all regions except the eastern one, where it corresponds to the average.

The yield of winter oats is 6% below average, but the grain quality is good and meets the requirements.