United Oilseeds is forecasting a potential record for UK oilseed rape (OSR) yields, with the average expected to exceed 4 t/ha for the first time in history.
With England’s harvest largely complete and Scotland rapidly drawing to a close, early indications suggest this year’s crop could comfortably outperform long-term averages.
For context, AHDB data shows the UK 10-year average OSR yield is around 3.3 t/ha, while the five-year average heading into the 2025 season was approximately 3.1 t/ha. AHDB reported a national average yield of 3.7 t/ha in 2025, one of the highest levels seen since 2017.
United Oilseeds believes the strong yields being reported this harvest are further evidence that, when managed correctly, OSR remains one of the most rewarding crops in the rotation.
Part of this it puts down to growers adopting the Ten Strategies for Managing CSFB in Oilseed Rape as part of its OSR Reboot campaign.
Better genetics are also helping, a steady stream of new, higher-performing varieties coming through the pipeline. Enhanced vigour, stronger autumn development and increasingly robust agronomic packages are combining to push yields higher.
