Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2020

5. Wheat production expected to decrease

Despite a predicted 13 per cent decrease in wheat area as a result of unfavourable weather at planting, above average yields are predicted for 2020. 

However, yield and production are expected to decrease from the high values of 2019. An estimated 1 per cent decrease in yield could lead to a 14 per cent decrease in wheat production.

Expert advice indicated that while the average yield is up, wide variations have been experienced. Due to the timing of these early estimates, it may be that final estimates published in December will change.

Wheat accounts for

• 25% Total crop production
• 20% Total crop area

Scottish wheat is mainly soft wheats that are used for distilling. In 2019, around 33 per cent of wheat was sold to merchants for malting.

Scotland imports hard wheats for milling (generally used for bread-making) because our climate does not suit hard wheat varieties.