AHDB has released the 2023 Planting and Variety Survey results which provides estimates for the coming harvest with a regional breakdown.
The data estimates that there has been a slight decrease year-on-year in wheat planting, with additional barley and OSR being sown.
Barley area in the UK is estimated to increase by 5% to 1,154 Kha and there is also an estimated 11% increase in OSR area as high spring 2022 prices encouraged further planting.
The key findings of the survey are:
- In 2023 the total UK wheat area is estimated at 1,746 Kha, 3% down from 2022.
- The total UK barley area for harvest 2023 is estimated at 1,154Kha, up 5% on the year.
- The GB spring barley area is estimated at 702 Kha, up 7% year-on-year, while the GB winter barley area is estimated to be 2% higher at 434 Kha.
- The GB oat area is estimated at 161 Kha, this is 7% down year-on-year.
- The GB OSR area is estimated at 402 Kha, this is 11% higher than 2022 levels.
- For harvest 2023 KWS Extase is the most popular wheat variety, with 17% of the total GB wheat area. For barley, Laureate is the most popular variety, accounting for 32% of the total GB barley area.
