The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) has published its latest crop progress report for England, Scotland and Wales.
The update confirms a wide variation in planting rates, with differing weather and ground conditions – the key factors coming into play.
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 re-drilling required.
Heavy October rain, particularly around the midlands, was challenging, and has delayed drilling. Some areas of heavy land 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 re-drilling 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.
AHDB
Meanwhile, 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.
It is now apparent that many tillage farmers in parts of England, Scotland and Wales are experiencing a 2024/2025 planting season, similar to that endured by their Irish counterparts 12 months ago.
The reality is, that poor drilling conditions will result in significantly reduced yields with grain quality equally impacted next harvest.
Very poor weather has also impacted on the 2024 harvest and the subsequent planting season in France, and other parts of Western Europe.
The coming months will tell how these scenarios will grain availability and market prices over the coming 12 months.
Meanwhile, winter cereal crops across the island of Ireland are looking tremendously well at the present time.
