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Low cereal and rapeseed acreage record in UK

Acreage under cereals and canola in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in two decades, according to a new survey.


Rainfall across the UK from September 2023 to May 2024 was the highest on record since 1836 at 1,157mm. This is 25 per cent higher than the five-year average for the period 2018/19–2022/23 Photo: Mostphotos

According to planting and various surveys, the total area under cultivation of cereals and oilseeds has decreased by 5 percent in 2024 from previous years. It was written by the AHDB, the British authority for agricultural and horticultural development, which has published results this year indicating a significant change in their farming.


Acreage increases in barley (6 percent) and oats (9 percent) could not offset large declines in wheat and canola (9 percent and 21 percent, respectively), resulting in a net decrease of 5 percent in total acres.


Widespread rain


According to Met Office data, the decline was attributed to 1,157 mm rainfall from September 2023 to May 2024.


“Widespread rainfall across the UK has severely limited farmers' autumn and spring sowing capacity,” says AHDB analyst Matt Darragh:


– In addition, since 1995-1996, unfavorable weather conditions have prevailed for the planted crops, with a very low number of sunshine hours.






Article published on Monday 08 July 2024

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