The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have released their final harvest report of the 2024/25 season.
Data from the Met Office highlighted how dry weather towards the beginning of harvest gave way to frustrating delays towards the end.
Helen Plant AHDB senior analyst of cereals and oilseeds said: “Despite being planted later than usual, spring crops generally fared much better than winter crops, which had a very tough start with the second wettest August through February since 1837, when records began.”
Weather conditions were favourable during much of the 2024 wheat harvest, and 88% was cut by August 28, well ahead of the five-year average of 60% complete at that stage. But progress slowed down notably in September as rain and humid conditions led to interruptions. Yields are estimated to be down 7% on average across the UK, at 7.5t/ha.
The barley harvest saw good quality crop, with good germination scores reported, but low nitrogen levels. Moisture content of spring barley samples increased on average as the harvest progressed into Scotland. However, moisture adjusted yields were only reported to be down 3% on the five-year average level across the UK.
There was a noticeable improvement in performance across oats towards the end of harvest, reflecting the transition from winter oats to spring oats. The winter crop was, generally, established in poor conditions, but while many spring oats were planted much later than usual, they had a favourable start. Oat yields (winter and spring crops combined) in the UK were just 2% below the five-year average.
Oilseed rape quality has been good this season, with oil content high. Yields have been variable from region to region and are down 8% on average, at 2.97t/ha.
Helen added: “It is evident just how variable yields are from region-to-region, farm-to-farm, and field-to-field. This is not surprising given the unusual weather we have experienced, but the larger drop in yields for some businesses will pose significant cash flow challenges.
“With harvest complete attention is now turning to establishing the 2025 crop. Many will be eager to get winter cereals in the ground considering last year’s extremely wet autumn and winter conditions.”
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