UK combinable crops condition declines in May due to dry weather

Key facts

• UK combinable crop condition declined in May due to dry weather and high temperatures.
• Recent rainfall has aided recovery, but future weather is critical for yields.
• Winter wheat condition is 64% good/excellent, down from 75% in April.
• Winter barley condition is 62% good/excellent, down from 70% in April.
• Spring wheat condition is 35% good/excellent, below last year's 50%.
• Disease levels are generally low, but yellow rust and aphids are concerns.

The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) has reported a general decline in the condition of combinable crops across the UK during May. This trend is attributed to weather-driven factors, particularly record-breaking temperatures that significantly reduced soil moisture levels. While recent rainfall has somewhat alleviated the situation, the outlook for grain yields will largely depend on the weather in the coming weeks.

For winter wheat, 64% of crops are now rated as good or excellent, a decrease from 75% in late April. Winter barley conditions have also seen a dip, with 62% rated good-to-excellent, down from 70% a month prior. Winter oats are performing relatively well, with 71% in good-to-excellent condition, down from 81% in April. Winter oilseed rape shows 78% in good or excellent condition, a slight decrease from 84% last month.

Spring wheat conditions are less favorable, with only 35% rated good or excellent, below the 50% seen at the same time last year. Spring barley has 57% of crops in good or excellent condition, slightly up from last May but down from 73% in late May 2023. Spring oats nationwide have 55% in good or excellent condition, an improvement from 42% a year ago, but lower than the 73% recorded in 2024.

Disease levels are generally low, but yellow rust remains a concern, particularly where spray timings were missed. Septoria risk is declining due to the dry weather. Aphids are emerging as a key concern in several regions, with the potential to move into ears. Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) is present at low to moderate levels.