The AHDB has updated its 2025 Planting and Variety Survey results.
It shows only a partial recovery in the wheat area, predicted to be up 6% on the previous season, above initial expectations. It also highlights the current preference for feed wheats, with Group 4s likely to take over 50% of the area. UKFM Group 1 and 2 wheats are expected to be below 20%.
AHDB senior analyst Helen Plants believes this isn’t entirely weather-related, noting various demands on arable land. The AHDB hopes to publish data on the SFI area later this month.
Unsurprisingly, wheat condition was considerably down on the previous season, percentage of crops in good or excellent condition at the end of May at just 36%.
The reduction in wheat area suitable for breadmaking suggests potentially tighter production in 2025. A notable increase in final yields and/or quality compared to 2024 could potentially compensate. However, given the poor condition of the crop at the end of May, there is uncertainty over both final yields and quality.
It is no surprise to see the OSR area down. It is estimated to be 19% lower than last season at just 236 Kha. The bright spot is that crop conditions are better when compared to the same period the season before.
The barley area is also predicted to be down. The spring barley area is estimated at 750 Kha, down 6% year-on-year, while the winter barley area is estimated to be 7% lower at 352 Kha.
The oat area could hit a high last seen in 2020. The area forecast to be 207 Kha for harvest 2025, up 13% on the year.
The survey revealed KWS Dawsum as the most popular wheat variety, with 15% of the total GB wheat area. For barley, Laureate is the most popular variety, accounting for 43% of the total GB barley area.
