Cereal and oilseed rape harvest: final estimates - 2018

Slight drop in oats area, production and yield

The estimated area of oats sown in 2018 is 32,100 hectares, the second highest since 1989. Oat production is estimated to have decreased by five per cent this year, due to a three per cent decrease in yield.

Eastern Scotland is where 47 per cent of oats are grown. This was the only region to have an increase in oats yield and production, both rising by two per cent.

Oats account for

7% Total crop production

7% Total crop area

The majority of oats grown in Scotland are sown in the spring and are used for milling and further processing for breakfast cereals, oatcakes, porridge oats and oatmeal.

Oats are also used in specialist feed for horses.