Crop development

Nationally, drilling conditions were much better than last year and so far, prospects for the 2026 winter crops are reported to be very good.

Overall, summer 2025 was hot, sunny, and relatively dry. As a result, soils entered the drilling window very dry and hard, enabling good access for drilling machinery but low seedbed moisture.

September was wetter than average across most of the UK, helping to soften seedbeds, and drilling continued without disruption.

October began warmer than average and was generally wet, although with some regional rainfall variation. All in all, it’s reported that drilling progressed well in all regions and countries of the UK.

November started mild and wet. Storm Claudia brought additional rainfall in mid-month, with little impact other than rebalancing the soil moisture deficit, arriving after the drilling campaign and with most spraying completed. Late November then saw widespread snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures, bringing any remaining drilling to a close.

A large carryover of nitrogen from fertiliser applied between April and June has been reported, which may have contributed to this season’s rapid crop development so far. Management of dense, forward crops may be required if mild conditions persist throughout the winter.

Crop potential for harvest 2026 looks promising, and there is hope that higher yields will help offset current low prices. However, it’s important to remember that farmers have experienced two very difficult financial years. Low margins are a challenge, with depressed malting and milling premiums adding pressure.

Please note that the information in this report was captured up to Monday 24 November 2025 for AHDB by RSK ADAS Ltd.

Crop condition definitions

Crop condition was assessed using the USDA approach. This classifies crops into one of five categories, from very poor through to excellent (see details below).

The values are given as the percentage of the GB crop area for that crop that falls in each of the categories – regional condition scores are available on the crop reporting dashboard at the bottom of this page.

• Very poor – Extreme degree of loss to yield potential, complete or near crop failure
• Poor – Heavy degree of loss to yield potential, which can be caused by excess soil moisture, drought, disease, etc
• Fair – Less than normal crop condition. Yield loss is a possibility, but the extent is unknown
• Good – Yield prospects are normal. Moisture levels are adequate and disease, insect damage, and weed pressures are minor
• Excellent – Yield prospects are above normal. Crops are experiencing little or no stress. Disease, insect damage, and weed pressures are insignificant

Data on UK crop conditions captured up to Monday 24 November 2025.

Source: AHDB, data captured by RSK ADAS Ltd

Note: Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Winter wheat

For winter wheat, drilling is almost complete (97%) with 41% drilled in September, 50% in October, and 6% in November. It’s reported that this is the best crop establishment seen for many years. The earliest crops are at the tillering stage. Prospects for the 2026 wheat crop are reported to be very good, with 83% of the crop rated good-to-excellent. 

Winter barley

Drilling is complete; 64% was drilled in September, 34% in October, and 2% in November. It’s reported that establishment is good, and an estimated 54% of crops nationwide are now tillering. Like winter wheat, prospects for 2026 winter barley are reported to be very good, with 89% of the crop rated good-to-excellent. 

Winter oats

All of the intended winter oat area has been drilled; of which, 34% was completed in September, 65% in October, and 1% in November. Very good prospects have been reported for winter oats with 88% of the crop in good-to-excellent condition and just 1% left to emerge. 

Winter oilseed rape

Despite dry conditions during drilling, establishment has been remarkably good and much better than in recent years. However, it’s reported in the Eastern region that earlier crops are not as good as later drilled.  Prospects are looking optimistic currently for WOSR crops, with 82% of the crop rated good-to-excellent. A year ago, 73% of the crop was rated good-to-excellent.

• Use the drop down menu at the top of the first chart to view the crop conditions of a particular crop in each region
  
  
• Use the drop down menus at the top of the second chart to view the percentage of a crop at each growth stage. The drop down menus can also be used to show the information for a particular region

Future reports are planned for 27 March, 1 May, 29 May and 26 June 2026.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.