Warm and dry weather has supported harvest progress over the past fortnight

AHDB’s second harvest progress report of the 2024/25 season covers days from 1st to 14th August 2024, which are the fourth and fifth weeks of a ‘typical’ harvest period. 

The report has concluded that over the past fortnight, harvest has continued to progress “at pace”. 

The first harvest report of 2024 read that the winter barley harvest was 85% complete by the end of July, and ahead of normal pace. 

Oilseed rape harvest was 73% complete, also ahead of the five-year average.  Overall, yields were generally trending down on the previous five-year average for both oilseed rape and winter barley. 

READ MORE: First 2024 harvest report: Good progress due to drier weather

READ MORE: Cambridgeshire farmer explains how his nature-friendly approach helps boost yields 

READ MORE: ‘Combines are out’: UK farmers share harvest update

Wheat, winter barley and oilseed rape harvest progress 

The second harvest report of this year has confirmed that crops in many regions have been harvested at moistures, meaning little has required drying. 

It reads: “There has been a noticeable gap in the harvesting of wheat for some growers. The gap is driven by differences in variety, drilling date, and conditions post planting.  

“Progress with wheat harvesting varies by region and within regions. In England, the East Midlands is the most progressed at 65%, followed by the South East at 48%.  

“But it is expected that the wheat harvest in Scotland and the North East of England is at least a week to two weeks away.” 

The winter barley harvest across UK was largely completed (99%) by 7th August, with most of the remaining crop cut last week. A small proportion remains to be cut in Northern Ireland.  

The UK winter oilseed rape (WOSR) harvest is nearing completion, with 93% harvested by 15th August. The remaining areas are in the west and north of England and in Scotland. 

READ MORE: Sunny spell progresses harvest 2024

READ MORE: Farmers share “harvest rollercoaster” updates

READ MORE: Early harvest updates from around the UK and Ireland

Ergot issue 

The experts added that given the weather this year and bare patches in fields, grass weed pressures have been high.  

They added: “This has been observed with increased prevalence of ergot in some samples. Ergot has primarily been seen as coming from grass weeds rather than cereal crops.  

“There are generally high levels of grass weeds and volunteer cereals within crops, including blackgrass, ryegrass, and brome.” 

Read the full report here. 

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