UK Winter Planting Results

As of 1^st December 2014, according to the HGCA and devolved Government planting surveys, there was 6% less winter cereals and oilseed rape planted in the UK than at the same time the year before. Drilling conditions were good so the change is attributed to changed economics and policy as well as an attempt to tackle grass weed infestations. The total planted area as at 1^st December was 2.997 million hectares, this compared to 3.176 million hectares planted at the same time last year. 

The table below shows the UK winter wheat area is 7% lower than the same time last year as of 1^st December.  This is thought to be at least in part due to the later winter drilling of wheat to facilitate better weed control.  Winter barley area totals 434,000 hectares, almost no change on last year at the same time but a small increase on the area that made it to harvest.

The table shows a sharp decrease in winter oat area suggesting a continued rise in the likely spring oat cropped area. In recent years, the proportion of oats planted in spring has been increasing and this information suggests the trend will carry on this year too.