Winter crops in positive condition, AHDB report confirms

The UK wheat crop looks to be much improved this year, with 82% of winter wheat currently classed as in either good or excellent condition, despite wet conditions over winter with exceptional rainfall in January and February.

AHDB’s crop development report, in partnership with RSK Adas, found the domestic wheat crop to be in its best condition for this stage in the season since 2023.

The prospects for winter barley this year also appear much improved, with 85% of the crop rated as either good or excellent, compared with just 70% of the crop last March.

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Anthony Speight, senior analyst at AHDB, said: “Considering the weather at the end of 2025 and start of 2026, the overall picture is very encouraging.

“However, it’s important not to underestimate the challenges experienced in some areas, such as Yorkshire and the North East, where spring drilling is delayed.”

Helen Plant, lead cereals and oilseeds analyst at AHDB, suggested that conditions had improved more recently and most soils have drained better than expected, benefiting crops.

“Overall, pest and weed pressure are also low, with autumn herbicides having given good control,” she added.

“There’s still a long way to go until harvest, but the good crop conditions so far show the potential for higher yields in 2026.”

Winter oilseed rape is looking particularly strong by historic levels, with 84% of the crop rated as good or excellent at present, up from 57% this time last year and just 31% in March 2024.

Oats are also performing well with 90% hitting the top two specifications.

Spring drilling has been delayed by rainfall in some regions.

While crops on lighter land are generally planted, wet conditions are causing holdups on heavier ground.