Mixed fortunes for UK crops as rain offers partial relief

After an exceptionally dry spring, UK crops are showing mixed signs of recovery following rainfall in late May and early June, according to the latest crop condition report from AHDB and RSK ADAS Ltd.

While recent rain has helped improve conditions for many winter crops and spring wheat, continued water stress – particularly in eastern and southern regions – remains a serious concern, impacting both yield potential and crop development.

Water availability continues to be the primary challenge across the country. Although the recent rain provided some relief, it was highly variable, and many areas received far less than needed to replenish moisture deficits.

As a result, some crops remain severely stressed, with signs of early senescence (deterioration) and the likelihood of slightly earlier harvests in drier regions.

While some crops are still green and coping well, the variability in soil type and rainfall means growing conditions remain uneven.

Olivia Bonser, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Senior Analyst, said:

"After a challenging spring, the rain has come just in time for some crops – but not all have benefited equally.

"In many areas, the dry weather has already limited tillering and crop height, which will inevitably affect yields.

"That said, there is still potential for a reasonable outcome if favourable weather continues before the end of grain fill.

"It’s a case of cautious optimism, with conditions varying widely from field to field."

Winter wheat is now rated with 38% in good or excellent condition – an improvement from the end of May but well below last year’s 56% at this time.

Weed pressure has increased due to thin crop canopies and late germinating weeds. Although, disease levels remain low overall.

Winter barley has also improved slightly, with 50% rated good or excellent, but still trails last year’s 69%.

Harvest is expected to begin in the southeast by mid-July, with other regions following later.

Winter oats are showing a more positive trend, with 55% of crops now in good or excellent condition and a notable decrease in the proportion rated poor or very poor compared to last year.

Winter oilseed rape (OSR) continues to perform better than most cereals, with 55% in good or excellent condition.

Pest and disease pressures are low, and seed development is progressing well ahead of a mid-to-late July harvest in the south and east.

Spring crops have also been severely affected. Spring wheat is currently rated with 51% in good or excellent condition, though this is below levels seen in previous years.

Crops have developed unevenly, depending on drilling dates and local rainfall.

Spring barley has seen a slight decline in condition since last month, with 52% of crops rated good or excellent, compared to 71% at this time last year.

Spring oats are the worst affected, with only 38% rated good or excellent – a significant drop from 77% last year.

Many spring oat crops are thin, stunted and struggling to grow, especially on lighter soils.

Grain size appears promising where crops are coping, but overall yield potential remains uncertain due to reduced tillering and variable plant height.

Stressed crops have lost significant leaf area, which will likely reduce straw yield.

Final yield outcomes will depend heavily on weather conditions during the remaining grain-filling period.