Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2019

Spring barley area drops but predicted increase in yield and production

Spring barley area has decreased slightly in 2019. This is due to the improved growing conditions over the winter months meaning more winter barley could be grown.

Despite this drop in area, estimates for spring barley yield and production predict an increase compared to 2018. Although bushel weights have been low this year, spring barley yield is predicted to rise by 21 per cent while production is predicted to rise by 17 per cent.

Spring barley accounts for

• 48% Total crop production
• 52% Total crop area

Barley is the main cereal crop grown in Scotland. Spring barley is sown around March, whereas winter barley is sown in the autumn.

In 2019, an estimated 80 per cent of barley production was made up of spring barley.