UK wheat, barley and oat yields fall below average levels

The UK’s 2026 cereal harvest was weaker than usual following a prolonged period of heat and drought. According to AHDB, average winter wheat yield stood at 6.9 t/ha, compared with the 10-year average of 7.9 t/ha.

Wheat yields were 11% below the five-year average. Results varied significantly by region and farm, ranging from 3.9 to 11.5 t/ha.

Spring barley was one of the most challenging crops this season, with average yields at 4.8 t/ha, around 17% below the five-year average. Oat yields averaged 4.6 t/ha, down 14% from the five-year average.

Winter barley performed better, averaging 6.9 t/ha, in line with the five-year average. Rapeseed showed the strongest results, with yields of around 4 t/ha, approximately 19% above the five-year average.

AHDB attributed the weaker cereal results to limited rainfall since spring and extreme summer weather. Following record heat in May and June, England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, affecting both crop yields and grain quality.

Tags: barley, UK, wheat, oats