The UK is dealing with its worst harvest on record, reflecting the country’s limited rainfall since spring.
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s final report of 2026 – published 25 September – the progress of harvest 2026 in England and Wales, especially, generated “very disappointing” yields.
Spring barley was down 17% compared with the UK five-year average, while oats were down 14% and winter wheat was 11% below average.
The only crop that enjoyed an above average harvest (up 19%) was winter oilseed rape, a relatively heat-tolerant species which enjoyed a pest-free summer compared with earlier years.
“The reason for it being one of the worst [harvests] on record is the combination of heat waves and drought,” Tom Lancaster, Farming Analyst at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, tells Food Formulator.
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