Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2021

Spring barley predicted to decrease but remain above average

Spring barley area decreased in 2021 as winter crop areas increased.

2020 was a record year for spring barley. Yield is predicted to decrease on average in 2021 by around seven per cent. However, predicted yield remains above the average figure over the last five years.

Spring barley production is predicted to decrease by around 11 per cent, mostly as a result of decreased yield.

Spring barley accounts for

49% Total crop production

54% 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 2021, an estimated 82 per cent of barley production was made up of spring barley.