UK Wheat Harvest Faces Third Consecutive Year Below 12 Million Tons

The UK wheat harvest is expected to stay below 12 million tons for a third consecutive year, according to UkrAgroConsult. This estimate puts production at 11.6 million tons in 2026.

The smaller crop is attributed to reduced planted areas and lower yields resulting from the dry and hot weather during spring and summer. However, the quality of milling wheat appears to be better than expected, with supplies meeting industry requirements likely sufficient.

The prices of UK feed wheat futures have increased by 17% since July, translating to a rise of £31.50 per ton. This upward trend is partly driven by global grain trade risks and disruptions in Black Sea supplies.

UK Flour Millers has warned that higher energy, fuel, and fertilizer costs could lead farmers to cut back on crop inputs, potentially affecting yields in 2027. The organization specifically mentions that milling wheat may be particularly vulnerable due to its requirement for more nitrogen fertilizer than feed wheat.