HGCA survey confirms 25% drop in wheat area
The winter wheat area has dropped 25% in England and Wales according to the AHDB/HGCA planting survey conducted in December 2012 and January 2013.
The survey shows an overall drop of 19% in the total area planted to winter cereals and oilseeds. At 2.417m ha the results reflect the challenges of the autumn, with many growers not having been able to progress drilling since the survey date.
While the oilseed rape area is down only 1%, a relatively high level of abandonment is expected, said HGCA senior analyst Jack Watts.
The potential of the wheat crop is in the balance, with most growers pessimistic about yield potential. “This year there is more uncertainty – we could get a normal yield, but the weather would have to nurse the crop all the way through to harvest,” said Mr Watts.
HGCA planting survey results
- Winter wheat – planted area estimated at 1.394m ha, down 25% on December 2011
- Winter barley – planted area estimated at 0.279m ha, down 19% on December 2011 Winter oats – planted area is estimated at 56,000ha, down 30% on December 2011
- Winter oilseed rape – planted area estimated at 688,000ha, down 1% on December 2011
Figures for Scottish plantings are expected on 14 March.