Harvest figures good for Britain not just British farmers
UK harvest figures released today by the NFU are good news for the whole of Britain, not just British farmers.
The figures, from the NFU's annual UK harvest survey, show grain producers are among the most efficient in Europe, with output increasing on lower plantings once more.
According to NFU estimates for 2006 the UK wheat yield is expected to be up by 3.8 per cent with production at 15.1 million tonnes, up 1.7 pre cent on last year. This is largely due to increased yields offsetting lower plantings, with yield estimates showing an increase in all regions in England.
UK spring barley production is down by 10.2 per cent to 2.7 million tonnes, mainly as a result of a 10 per cent decline in plantings. Average winter barley yield for the UK was down by 6.3 per cent, with a 7.8 per cent decrease in yield in England the main factor. Total UK production was down by 7.5 per cent to 2.3 million tonnes.
Estimated UK winter oilseed rape production in 2006 is largely unchanged from last year at 1.6 million tonnes, despite lower plantings.
NFU combinable crops board chairman Arthur Hill said: "These figures are good news for the rural economy and are good for the whole of Britain, not just British farmers.
"The increase in yield shows that British farmers continue to be among the most efficient producers in the world.
"Farmers have worked incredibly hard this year to ensure a successful harvest and wheat quality is very good. This is good news and prices are indicative of the fact that our products are very much in demand, both at home and overseas.
"The drop in planted area at the end of 2005 reflects the continuing difficult economic conditions farmers have faced for the past three years with increasing energy costs and particularly the rising price of fertilizer.
"With the volume of exports that has already taken place, and improved outlook, we expect steady demand for our grain for export and domestic use."
Cereal growers across the EU have reported increased production in 2006, estimating a harvest about 2 per cent up on last year's output. Like the UK, total production in the EU has increased as a result of higher average yield, with a smaller reduction in planting.
Like England, parts of the EU had a very difficult season as a result of the late cold spring, wet early summer and drought in July, followed by torrential rain in August. The worst affected areas were Northern France, Austria, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries and the new member states in central and Eastern Europe.
