The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed that the 2023 grain harvest in Great Britain (GB) is coming to an end, from a cereals perspective.
Only a few crops of very late spring barley and oats in Scotland and the north-east of England remain to be combined.
At this point, winter wheat yields are estimated at 7.8–8.2t/ha, sitting around the five-year average.
Winter barley yields are estimated at 6.2–7.2t/ha, sitting around the five-year average. Spring barley yields are estimated at 5.2–5.5t/ha and is sitting below the five-year averages.
Combined winter and spring oat yields are estimated at 5.0–5.4t/ha; the range has tightened as harvest progressed.
Winter oilseed rape (OSR) yields are estimated at 2.8–3.0t/ha. This is below the five-year average.
Lower yields were primarily a result of inclement weather during the growing season, as well as significant pest damage in some regions, particularly from Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB).
Grain quality
Grain quality is quite variable. Where wheat is concerned, specific weights are ranging from 71-78kg/hl nationally. The GB average is currently 73–75kg/hl.
National protein contents are ranging from 12.5–13.0%, the same as a fortnight ago. The GB average moisture content for wheat is estimated at 15-17%. The range has increased from a fortnight ago where it was 15–16%.
The specific weights of winter barley crops have varied by region, ranging from 58–64kg/hl on farm. The GB typical average is currently 63–65kg/hl.
The GB average grain nitrogen indications range between 1.5–1.7%
The specific weights of spring barley crops have been ranging from 58-65kg/hl. The GB average is currently 59–62kg/hl.
The GB specific weights for oats are estimated at 49–52kg/hl, down from the 50–53kg/hl reported a fortnight ago.
Autumn planting
Meanwhile, there has been a slow start to the 2023 autumn planting season in GB.
Recent rainfall has allowed for the germination of weeds and volunteers in stale seedbeds, which are being controlled by soil cultivations or applications of glyphosate before drilling.
Wet soil conditions have resulted in more farmers reverting to ploughing rather than doing min-till.
Sowing of winter oilseed rape started in mid-August and has continued into September.
However, establishment has been variable following a period of hot and dry weather at the beginning of September.
Crops in several regions have already been damaged by CSFB and slugs.
Drilling of winter cereals started from mid-September. However, planting progress has been slow in most regions due to wet conditions.
