UK to sharply cut spring barley area in 2026

Provisional estimates indicate that the total barley area in the UK will fall in 2026 to its lowest level since 2010 — dropping below 1 million hectares. The most significant decline is expected in spring barley plantings, which are forecast to fall by 15% year-on-year to 610,000 hectares. Winter barley is also projected to see a slight reduction of 2%, down to 356,000 hectares.

According to initial results from AHDB’s Early Bird Survey, oat plantings will also decrease in 2025, while wheat and oilseed rape are set to expand. The UK wheat area is forecast to rise by 1% to 1.67 million hectares, although it will remain below the five-year average.

Oilseed rape is expected to show the strongest rebound. Its planted area could increase by nearly one-third to 316,000 hectares, following a drop to a 40-year low in recent seasons. Analysts note that strong yields in 2025 and a more favourable margin outlook have made the crop more attractive compared with cereals.

Helen Plant, senior cereals and oilseeds analyst at AHDB, said that despite favourable autumn drilling conditions in 2025, the market environment remains challenging: cereal prices are lower, milling and malting premiums have weakened, and production costs have risen. Against this backdrop, oilseed rape offered better profitability prospects.

The area of uncropped arable land — including fallow fields and land entered into environmental schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive — is expected to rise by 8% in 2026. According to Plant, poor cereal yields in recent years, ongoing commitments to agri-environment programmes, and crop rotation needs will all play a significant role in shaping next year’s planting decisions.

Tags: barley, UK, sown area