UK Harvest Accelerates Amid Weakening Grain Prices and Rising Fertiliser Costs

The UK's dry weather has accelerated the harvest season, but grain prices are weakening and fertiliser costs are rising.

This year's harvest is proving to be early and respectable, with yields averaging 6.8t/ha for winter barley, which is similar to the UK's ten-year average of 6.9t/ha. However, moisture levels have been low, averaging 13.3%, ranging from 10.4-16.6%.

The hot and dry weather has also affected crop yields, with spring barley yielding 5.3t/ha and oats yielding 4.9t/ha. Winter oilseed rape harvests are 73% complete in England, but only 8% have been harvested in Scotland. The average yield for winter oilseed rape is estimated at 3.9t/ha, which is an increase of 17% compared to the UK's ten-year average.

The dry weather has also had a negative impact on barley prices, which are trading at a narrow discount to wheat. Animal feed compounders have been buying tonnage to cover their winter feed rations due to falling prices, which have dropped by up to £8.00/t this past week.