Farmers wrap up 2025 harvest amid stark differences in yields
5th September 2025
The 2025 harvest has been one of the most challenging in recent memory, with significant variability in yields noticed across the country, within regions, and even between neighbouring farms, AHDB reports.
The latest AHDB harvest report has just been published. The arable experts said that despite reasonable progress – with most of England now finished and only some cereals and pulses remaining in Scotland and Northern Ireland – profitability concerns remain high.
Falling prices throughout the year are set to weigh heavily on farm incomes, compounding the effects of two difficult consecutive seasons.
The wheat harvest is now 99.8% complete, with the average yield estimated at 7.6t/ha. While this is up slightly since the last report due to stronger yields in Scotland, it remains 6.1% below the 10-year average, with significant variability between and within farms, regions, and across the UK.
Some farms have performed notably well, however, a large number have also had some of the worst years on recent record.
Earlier than usual harvest
The spring barley harvest is 89% complete. Early results from southern England showed promise, but reports further north have been more mixed. In Scotland, high screenings have resulted in some crops failing to make malting quality, leading to widespread malting rejections.
The oats harvest is 90% complete, with average yields estimated at 5.1t/ha, around 5% below the five-year average, with quality under pressure, particularly in spring crops.
AHDB said that pulses have proved especially challenging, with yields averaging 15% below the five-year average. Spring beans in particular suffered from drought, and results have been highly variable across farms.
Despite recent rainfall slowing final progress in Scotland and Northern Ireland, overall, the 2025 harvest is significantly ahead of the pace of recent years, with most winter cereals cut earlier than normal.
READ MORE: Harvest 2025 brings extreme variability in yields and falling grain prices
‘Very mixed picture’
Olivia Bonser, AHDB senior analyst, said: “Harvest 2025 has delivered a very mixed picture. Some crops have performed well, but many farmers are contending with disappointing yields and weaker returns.
“Grain quality has generally held up, which is encouraging, yet the financial reality is that lower prices and poor yields for many are putting margins under strain.
“The variation we’ve seen this season underlines just how challenging it is for arable businesses to plan with certainty.”
READ MORE: Harvest 2025 brings extreme variability in yields and falling grain prices
READ MORE: Poor weather and rural crime hit yields at Bucks farm
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