Planting Survey Results

The 2016 AHDB Planting and Variety Survey shows an increase in the spring barley and oat area, but a decline in the wheat, winter barley and OSR area.  As can be seen from the table below, spring barley has increased by 6% compared to year-earlier levels as many turn to spring cropping to try and combat the spread of black grass.  Barley plantings are the highest since 2013 when wet weather at autumn planting time saw a surge in spring plantings.  Although in Scotland, spring barley plantings have fallen by 5%, possibly due to a slowdown in malting barley demand.

The survey shows a small decline in the wheat area planted for 2016 harvest, down by 2% to 1.8 million hectares.  Although, once again, there are regional variations.  In England, the area declined to 1.66 million hectares (-2%); the lowest since 2013, whilst in Scotland, the area is estimated to have risen by 4%; the largest area since 2011.  It is almost certain that wheat production will be lower this year as yields are unlikley to match those seen in the last two harvests.  Nabim Group 1 and Group 2 varieties have made a resurgence this year, accounting for an estimated 31% of the total GB area (23% in 2015).

For the second year running there has been a decline in the OSR area.  The Welsh oilseed rape figures are not available, but the English and Scottish combined area was down by 9%.  The English area has fallen back to its lowest level since 2009 – probably due to the prospect of historically low returns at drilling and also the increased risks of growing the crop due to the loss of agro chemicals (neonicotinoids).  Scotland saw its area back by 13%.