The results from AHDB’s 2026 Harvest Survey highlight the challenges of this season’s prolonged dry conditions.
Wheat, spring barley and oat yields proved disappointing for much of England and below historic levels, even when averaged across the UK, including areas where yields were improved.
This theme continues throughout the results, with figures revealing significant variation between farms and regions, underlining the importance of local growing conditions, soil type and moisture availability in determining crop performance.
Average winter wheat yields benefitted from harvests in Scotland and northern England, coming in at 6.9 t/ha, but this was still around 11% below the national five-year average. The lowest reported yield in the range sitting at 3.9 t/ha and the highest at 11.5 t/ha highlight the extremes of the variation experienced.
While winter barley yields averaged 6.9 t/ha, comparable to the five-year average, spring barley and oat yields were down on the five-year average by 17% and 14% respectively. Both crops also exhibited substantial variation between farms.
However there is a silver lining, the standout performer is oilseed rape, with average yields reaching 4.0 t/ha, sitting comfortably at approximately 19% above the UK five-year average.
For the full report, visit: AHDB | Harvest progress in the UK
“The focus must be on creating the conditions to build sustainable and profitable businesses.”
NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows
Investment is crucial
Commenting on the results, NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows said: “The report paints a picture that many of us will be familiar with; a hugely difficult and deeply challenging harvest, with yields in many crops falling short of expectations and significant variations being reported from region to region and farm to farm.
“Weaker commodity prices and rising costs, exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, mean profitability remains under severe strain for growers, leaving many facing an immediate cash flow crisis. The debacle this week with the SFI26 has created even more uncertainty and financial pressure for farming businesses.
“As farmers begin planning for next season, urgent action is needed. We are calling for a government-backed, interest-free loan, linked to the losses caused by this summer’s drought and extreme temperatures, which would give arable farming businesses the working capital to produce next year’s food.
“The focus must be on creating the conditions to build sustainable and profitable businesses. With the UK facing more extreme weather, we need long-term investment in resilient crop varieties that are more able to withstand drought and disease and have greater yield consistency. This kind of innovation would help to deliver domestic food security and strengthen our resilience against a changing climate.”
Protect the future of British farming
The NFU is combining the strength of its Back British Farming supporter network with farmers and growers in a new campaign calling on government to provide short-term loans to support the farming sector.
Add your name to the NFU campaign so the government cannot ignore the cash flow crisis facing farmers.
