UK Harvest 2026 Nears Completion with Disappointing Crop Yields

The UK's Harvest 2026 is nearing completion, with much of the remaining activity concentrated in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) confirmed that the harvest is almost done, but progress has slowed due to wetter conditions.

Crop yields remain disappointing overall, following another season of prolonged dry weather. Some crops have performed better in northern areas, but this has only brought modest improvements to the national picture. Significant variability in both yield and quality continues to make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the overall harvest outcome.

The winter barley harvest is now largely complete, with just pockets left to be cut in Northern Ireland. The average yield for winter barley is 6.9t/ha, broadly in line with the five-year average. Winter oilseed rape has also been harvested, with an average yield of 4.0t/ha, up 19% compared to the UK five-year average.

Oats are 89% complete by August 24, and the average oat yield for crops harvested to date is now 4.4t/ha, 17% below the five-year average. Winter wheat has made significant progress, with 94% complete by August 24, but yields remain disappointing at 12% below the national five-year average.

Spring barley remains one of the most challenging crops to harvest, with a 19% fall from the UK five-year average yield. However, larger areas are being cut in Scotland and northern England, where sampled yields have been higher.