UK 2025 wheat area recovery but lower bread wheat share

AHDB’s newly released Planting and Variety Survey results provide cropped area estimates for the 2025 harvest, with regional and variety details.

The survey estimates the UK wheat area for harvest 2025 at 1,623 Kha, up 6% on last year. This is slightly more than growers had planned in the AHDB’s Early Bird Survey, likely helped by improved autumn weather in parts of England and Wales. However, this is still slightly below the five-year average (2020–2024) of 1,648 Kha.

However, the area planted with bread-making suitable wheat varieties (UK Flour Millers group 1 and 2 varieties) has decreased compared to last year. Group 1 varieties now make up 19% of the wheat area in Great Britain, down from 24% in 2024, while Group 2 varieties have fallen from 19% to 17%.

In total, the combined area of Group 1 and 2 varieties is estimated to have decreased in terms of hectares in 2025.

The reduction in wheat area suitable for bread-making suggests potentially tighter production in 2025. A notable increase in final yields and/or quality compared to 2024 could potentially compensate. However, given the poor condition of the crop at the end of May, there is uncertainty over both final yields and quality.

In contrast, the area planted with Group 3 wheat varieties has risen from 2% to 7%, which may reflect the availability of a new, higher-yielding option. Group 4 varieties, including both hard and soft types, now represent 53% of the total wheat area, the highest proportion recorded since 2016.

The key findings from other crops are summarised below.

• The UK oat area is estimated at 207 Kha for harvest 2025, up 13% on the year and the highest level since 2020.
• The total GB barley area for harvest 2025 is estimated at 1,101 Kha, down 6% on the year. The GB Spring barley area is estimated at 750 Kha, down 6% year-on-year, while the GB winter barley area is estimated to be 7% lower at 352 Kha.
• The GB OSR area is estimated at 236 Kha; this is 19% lower than 2024 levels.
• For harvest 2025 KWS Dawsum is the most popular wheat variety, with 15% of the total GB wheat area. For barley, Laureate is the most popular variety, accounting for 43% of the total GB barley area.

Tags: barley, UK, Production, wheat, AHDB, oat, estimates, area, harvest