The NFU has released its estimate of the UK harvest and it claims that the figures are good news for the whole of Britain, not just British farmers.

The union’s annual harvest survey shows grain producers are among the most efficient in Europe, with output increasing on lower plantings once more.
 
According to NFU estimates for 2006 the UK wheat yield is expected to be up by 3.8% with production at 15.1mt, up 1.7% on last year.

This is largely due to increased yields offsetting lower plantings, with yield estimates showing an increase in all regions in England.
 
UK spring barley production is down by 10.2% to 2.7mt, mainly as a result of a 10% decline in plantings.

Average winter barley yield for the UK was down by 6.3%, with a 7.8% decrease in yield in England the main factor. Total UK production was down by 7.5% to 2.3mt.
 
Estimated UK winter oilseed rape production in 2006 is largely unchanged from last year at 1.6mt, despite lower plantings.