The latest UK crop update from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) paints a very downbeat perspective regarding the harvest prospects for 2024/25.
The information in the crop update was captured up to Tuesday, March 26, 2024 for AHDB by The Andersons Centre.
It confirms that the UK has experienced the second wettest August through February since 1837, since records began.
The worst conditions have been in the east midlands and neighbouring regions of the west midlands, east, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Conditions have been poorer than usual in most parts of England, including the south-west, although for many, not as extreme as the midlands.
The weather in Scotland has reduced winter cropping, but by less than central England, as conditions have not been so unusual.
According to AHDB, field work is now taking place on lighter, better draining soils and drier areas, and these farmers are now making headway with spring drilling and crop treatments.
For some farms, field work is still not possible, and some efforts have damaged tramlines or soil structure.
Some growers will be making large fertiliser applications as the crops are hungry, and first nitrogen (N) applications are later than usual.
It is now envisaged that the UK’s 2024 harvest will comprise a lower than usual winter area, with considerably lower winter crop yields.
In addition, the spring planted area is likely to be higher than normal, but it is too early to say with confidence on areas or yield potential.
There is always considerable variation in yield and quality, but this factor is expected to be amplified in 2024.
Winter wheat
The national condition of wheat is considerably poorer than usual, with just 34% of the GB winter wheat crop rated as in a good or excellent condition.
At the end of March 2023, 90% of the crop was rated good or excellent.
At this stage of spring 2024, the UK may not have experienced such a poor looking crop in living memory.
Winter barley
According to the AHDB crop update, winter barley established better than most winter wheat, but is less resilient at overwintered stresses.
Just 38% of GB winter barley is rated as in a good or excellent condition, whereas one year ago 92% of it was rated good or excellent.
Winter oats
Winter oats have fared better than most winter crops. Oats are a strong and resilient crop with a wide planting window and many managed to establish better than other cereals in the less than ideal soil conditions.
Even now, there are some winter oats yet to drill. While winter oat conditions are better than other winter crops, still only 37% of the GB crop is rated as good or excellent, and much lower than at the end of March 2023 (83%).
Winter oilseed rape
Winter oilseed rape (OSR) established better than most winter wheat, having had more time to develop before the autumn rain.
However, after sitting in water for so long, many plants died and there are some very bare patches in the Midlands particularly.
Overall, only 31% of the GB winter oilseed rape crop is rated as in good or excellent condition. This is well below the 70% rated good-excellent at the end of March 2023 and 64% at the same point in 2022.
