The AHDB’s first harvest report of 2026 highlights how another year of exceptionally hot and dry weather has impacted the harvest period. It is the earliest harvest since the AHDB started recording harvest dates, with many farmers across the South and East of England completing harvest two to three weeks ahead of the long-term average. It is also one of the poorest. Winter wheat yields so far range from 3.9 to 11.5 t/ha, highlighting the differing growing conditions experienced across regions and farm types during the season. Crops grown on lighter soils have generally been more affected by prolonged dry…