Scottish growers record bumper crop for 2025 harvest

Total cereals production surpassed 3.2m tonnes in Scotland this year, according to provisional figures published by the Scottish government.

This represents an increase of 8% year on year and puts it at the highest production level for more than 20 years.

Analysts say winter crops, including winter barley, oilseed rape and wheat performed well, while yields and quality for spring crops appear mixed.

See also: Wheat markets remain lacklustre despite small UK crop

Wheat yields in Scotland this year were estimated at 9.4t/ha, outperforming yields in England which were estimated by Defra at 7t/ha.

Total wheat production in Scotland is forecast at 1.02m tonnes.

Scottish barley yields were also improved, with winter barley averaging 8.8t/ha and spring barley projected at 6.6t/ha.

This led to barley production lifting by 2% year on year to 2m tonnes, despite a slightly smaller harvested area.

High rejection rates

Statisticians at the Scottish government stated that, while overall spring barley performance was anticipated to be reasonable, there were reports of high rejection rates for malting quality, and there was likely to be a high surplus of feed barley.

The total oilseed rape area in Scotland dropped by 11% to 32,700ha in 2025. However, yields were up by 29% which helped to lift total rapeseed production to 152,000 tonnes.

Scottish agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “The figures out today are welcome news to the agriculture sector, particularly in the face of challenging growing conditions.

“I know that for many farmers, crofters and producers they may come as a surprise when measured against just how difficult this year has been and the current prices for crops.

“In stark contrast to policy in other parts of the UK, in Scotland we continue to support and invest in our essential agricultural industry, we care, and our words are backed with action and vital financial support, to enable farmers to invest in sustainable food production.”