Winter barley and winter oilseed rape yields are down, according to AHDB.
British winter barley and winter oilseed rape yields are down sharply this year, according to AHDB.
The levy body’s first harvest progress report for 2020 suggests a high level of variation, both within and between farms.
Early yield indications, on a national level, suggest winter oilseed rape crops are averaging 1.01 to 1.17 tonnes per acre – down 15-30% on the five-year average of 1.4 tonnes per acre.
AHDB senior analyst for cereals and oilseeds, Helen Plant, said winter barley yields to date had averaged 2.59-2.75 tonnes per acre, which is down 4-10% on the five-year average of 2.87 tonnes per acre.
“There are also some reports of higher screenings and some higher nitrogen levels in the east, though it’s still early for quality data,” added Ms Plant.
She said British harvest progress so far was in line with typical progress for winter barley and slightly ahead for winter rape.
“An estimated 56% of the GB winter barley area and 49% of the winter oilseed rape area was cut by July 28,” added Ms Plant.
