UK: Spring barley area up 9% this year
Spring barley popularity continues to grow in the UK, with latest figures showing that the area is estimated at 725,000 ha - up 9 per cent from 2016, Farming UK reported on July 16.
An increase in the area planted to spring barley but smaller wheat and oilseed rape areas are among the key findings from AHDB’s 2017 Planting and Variety Survey.
The oilseed rape area in England and Scotland has declined to the lowest area since 2004.
Spring barley continues to benefit from a surge in interest in spring cropping, as part of efforts to tackle agronomic challenges, including the control of black-grass, plus as a replacement for previously lost oilseed rape crops.
Black-grass is one of the biggest challenges many growers face on their farm, and spring barley is one of the most competitive spring crop choice against black-grass.
The survey also showed that wheat area is estimated at 1.76 mln ha, a 3 per cent decrease from 2016.
Winter barley area is estimated at 428,000 ha, 1 per cent lower than 2016. The area of oilseed rape in England and Scotland is estimated at 553,000 ha, down 4 per cent from 2016.
And the area of oats in England and Scotland is estimated at 151,000 ha, a 14 per cent increase from 2016.
Helen Plant, AHDB Senior Analyst, said: “In addition to the agronomic challenges, the profitability of many winter crops was also poor when planting decisions were being made.
“Much of the rise in grain and oilseed prices seen last autumn occurred after planting was underway, giving less opportunity for growers to respond.”
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