Significant rise in OSR area forecast for 2026
14th November 2025
Harvest 2026 is set to see a 30 percent rise in the oilseed rape compared with last year’s low level, along with a small increase in wheat, however, this will vary across the country, according to provisional results from AHDB’s Early Bird Survey conducted in early November.
AHDB also predicts that areas planted with barley and oats will decline. In recent years, including 2025, figures for planted and harvested areas have been different due to extreme weather. It is important to take this uncertainty into account, AHDB said.
Helen Plant, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds senior analyst, explained: “Oilseed rape is the standout for 2026, with a 30 percent rise to 316kha. While this is a significant year-on-year rise, the rise is from the forty-two-year low recorded in 2025, and the 2026 projection would still be clearly below 2023’s 391kha.
“Although the forecasts for autumn drilling conditions were generally good in 2025, the market environment is challenging with lower prices for cereals and lower milling and malting premiums, plus increased costs for all crops.
“As a result, oilseed rape probably had a more favourable margin outlook compared to other crops, as well as the good yields achieved in 2025.”
The poor cereal yields of the past two years, along with ongoing commitments to agri-environment schemes and rotation needs, are also likely to influence 2026 planting plans, Ms Plant added.
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