UK Harvest 2026: Oilseed Rape Shines as Wheat and Barley Yields Fall

The UK's harvest season for 2026 has come to an end, and the results are mixed. According to the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), yields of wheat and spring barley were down from their five-year averages, while oilseed rape performed well.

Winter wheat yields averaged around 6.9t/ha, which is about 11% lower than the national average over the past five years. Some farms in Scotland and northern England reported better yields, but others struggled with limited rainfall from spring onwards.

Spring barley was one of the most challenging crops this season, averaging just 4.8t/ha - a significant drop from its five-year average. However, some late-harvested northern crops showed improvement.

Oat yields also suffered, averaging around 14% below their five-year average at 4.6t/ha. Oilseed rape, on the other hand, was the standout performer of harvest 2026, with an average yield of 4.0t/ha - a 19% increase from its five-year average.

So, what's behind these varying results? AHDB analysts point to several factors, including soil type, drilling date, and previous cropping history as key contributors to the differences in farm performance.