Crop development

The weather this season has shown substantial variation across GB. It has alternated between very wet and relatively long dry periods before turning wet again, affecting regions in different ways.

The East of England experienced favourable conditions, with drilling beginning in mid-September under dry weather and progressed well, with minimal redrilling required. Heavy October rain, particularly around the Midlands was challenging, and has delayed drilling. Some areas of heavy land (e.g. Beds/Northants/Oxon) have not yet been drilled, while some drilled areas are currently underwater.

In the West of England, early drilling started well but was impacted by late September rainfall. The bulk of drilling took place from late October to early November under favourable conditions, with mild soil temperatures. Some redrilling has been required.

In the South conditions were moderate, with most drilling starting in October.

Most northern crops were drilled early and are well-established. However, drilling on blackgrass-affected land started later.

In the South East and East Midlands, a number of farmers broadcasted their crops.

In Wales crop establishment has been excellent, although later sown crops may be vulnerable.

Northern Ireland had a favourable autumn with minimal rain and good drilling progress.

Late-planted crops for harvest 2024 caused bottlenecks for farmers, with harvesting overlapping into drilling time for next season’s crops. However, overall conditions for drilling have improved compared to last year. There are also numerous reports of non-harvested crops, such as those required for some environmental / stewardship schemes, appearing in crop rotations.

Following storms Bert and Conall towards the end of November, there is uncertainty regarding crops yet to emerge.

The information in this report was captured up to Monday 25 November 2024 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.

Wheat

Winter wheat drilling is almost complete. 27% of winter wheat was drilled in September, 46% in October and 22% in November, leaving just 5% to be planted as of 25 November.

Despite the heavy rain in parts of the UK at the end of September through to mid-October, overall winter wheat condition is better than expected. As at the end-November, 44% of the GB winter wheat crop was in excellent or good condition, with 9% rated as poor or very poor. 

Winter barley

Drilling is almost complete; 54% of winter barley was drilled in September, 33% in October and 9% in November.

Given the heavy rain at the end of September through to mid-October, overall crop conditions are better than expected. As at end-November 57% of the GB winter barley crop was in excellent/good condition, while 3% was in poor/very poor condition. Early drilled crops have performed well, but later drillings have been heavily affected by slugs.

Oats

96% of the intended winter oats area has been drilled; 28% drilled in September, 46% in October and 22% in November. As at end-November, 52% of the GB winter wheat crop was rated in excellent to good condition, with 4% rated in poor to very poor condition.

Oats have established well. 1-3 leaves have emerged for early planted crops, while some later drilled crops are yet to emerge. Overall, oat crops are looking good.

Oilseed rape

Winter oilseed rape (OSR) drilling is now complete, though plantings are much lower than previous years. 75% was drilled in August, 23% in September and 2% in October.

There has been good establishment so far, with plenty of leaf cover, leading to encouraging prospects for OSR. As at end-November 72% of the GB winter OSR crop was rated in excellent/good condition, while 7% was rated as poor/very poor. 

• 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.

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