UK Wheat Market Under Pressure from Consecutive Small Harvests
The UK wheat market is facing pressure due to a third consecutive small harvest. Exceptionally hot and dry conditions in the spring and summer reduced yields, resulting in an estimated production of just 11.6 million tonnes this year.
This would mark the third consecutive year of sub-12 million tonne production, leaving output 14% below the 10-year average for 2016 to 2025.
UK Flour Millers said that despite the reduced harvest, milling wheat quality appears more encouraging, with 'reportedly good' functionality and sufficient supplies meeting industry quality requirements.
The rise in UK feed wheat futures for November 2026 delivery has increased by 17% since July, equivalent to a £31.50 per tonne increase.
This reflects concerns over the smaller domestic crop alongside wider geopolitical risks affecting international grain markets, including attacks on grain export infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Black Sea.