Early results from AHDB's 2026 Harvest Survey highlight the impact of this season's prolonged dry conditions, with wheat yields currently running below both last year's levels and the longer-term average.
However, the figures also reveal significant variation between farms and regions, underlining the importance of local growing conditions, soil type and moisture availability in determining crop performance.
Average wheat yields are currently estimated at 6.8 t/ha, compared with 7.2 t/ha in 2025 and the 10-year average of 7.9 t/ha.
Barley performance has been more consistent, with winter barley yields averaging 6.8 t/ha, broadly in line with recent seasons, while spring barley is currently estimated at 5.3 t/ha, slightly below historical levels. Oat yields are reported at 4.9 t/ha, matching last year's average but below the 10-year average of 5.4 t/ha.
However there is a silver lining, the standout performer so far is oilseed rape, with average yields estimated at 3.9 t/ha, comfortably ahead of both last year's 3.7 t/ha and the 10-year average of 3.3 t/ha.
For the full report, visit: AHDB | Harvest progress in the UK
“If we’re to produce high yield, high quality crops in the future, we desperately need investment to develop crop varieties that are more resilient to drought and disease.”
NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows
Resilience is crucial
Commenting on the early results NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows said: “Farming is all about planning for the long-term but more frequent climate extremes makes this really hard and financially risky. The fact that we’ve harvested more than half the winter wheat crop before the end of July reflects the challenging growing season many arable farmers have experienced.
“If we’re to produce high yield, high quality crops in the future, we desperately need investment to develop crop varieties that are more resilient to drought and disease.
"Resilience also comes from a fair and transparent marketplace – this means government delivering on their review into supply chain fairness, and ensuring that British growers aren’t disadvantaged as we realign with EU rules.
"We will never be able to produce food without water, and we need a system that can better manage it in times of scarcity and excess. While arable farmers don’t use irrigation, that also includes a planning system which enables the building of water storage on farms.”
Share your yeilds
While harvest is now complete for many growers, the national picture is still developing. Results continue to come in from across the country, and good quality data takes time to collect and analyse.
The NFU is encouraging growers to take part in our Harvest Snapshot Survey. Every response helps build a more accurate picture of crop performance across the UK and strengthens the industry's understanding of this season's challenges and successes. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your results.
