Harvest 2025: Challenging year concludes with mixed results
26th September 2025
Extreme weather conditions have made the 2025 harvest especially challenging for many growers, with AHDB reporting considerable variability as the key finding.
Even where yields have been above expectations from earlier in the year, price declines throughout the course of the year will have had a significant impact on the profitability of arable farms, the experts say.
Screenings remain a key issue for Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland when it comes to spring barley. This is leading to a high degree of malting rejections and, with weaker demand, is making marketing the crop a challenge.
The headline UK yield estimate is unchanged at 5.8 t/ha – similar to the five- and 10-year averages. But it is important to note that the volume of ‘available’ crop is likely to be lower than this due to the high level of screenings.
Oats and wheat
Based on the sample of farms in this survey, the average UK oat yield is estimated at 5.2 t/ha. This represents a slight increase from our previous report (5.1t/ha) but is still 5 per cent below the 10-year average. There has also been significant variation in oat yields this year.
According to AHDB, the average UK wheat yield is estimated at 7.6 t/ha. This is 6.1% below the ten-year average. However, there is significant variation in yield, and some growers have experienced far lower yields. Wheat quality remains largely positive.
AHDB has no new data on winter barley and oilseed rape, as both harvests finished in August.
READ MORE: Maize harvest begins three weeks early in parts of UK
READ MORE: Harvest 2025 brings extreme variability in yields and falling grain prices
Quick start and slower end
Helen Plant, senior analyst, cereals & oilseeds, said: “Overall, the 2025 harvest progressed quickly with little need to dry crops, though rainfall slowed the pace of harvest towards the end.
“However, there are considerable variations in yield both within and between regions. It’s important not to lose sight of how difficult this year has been for so many farmers.”
With harvest complete, attention now turns to establishing next year’s crops, AHDB added.
Many farmers have been out this week spraying off weeds in advance of establishing winter cereals.
READ MORE: Farmers wrap up 2025 harvest amid stark differences in yields
Read more harvest news.
