Final 2021 Cereal Harvest Results

Final results from the Cereal Harvest Survey showed that 2021 was an average year for cereal production. Although production dropped by eight per cent from the previous year to roughly 2.9 million tonnes, this pattern following a bumper year such as 2020, is expected. The 2021 statistics show that production is just below the ten year average.

On the whole, total area of cereals remained stable. Winter planted areas did better this year following the wet conditions experienced in 2020. Following this, spring planted areas decreased.

The final results from the Cereal and Oilseed Rape Harvest were published last week by the Chief Statistician and replace the first estimates that came out in October.

The report shows that the yields of spring crops decreased compared to their bumper previous two years and were closer to the long term average. However, oat production was above average, despite a 16 per cent decrease in production compared to 2020.

It was a good year for winter crops, achieving above average yields. Grown area of wheat increased by 12 per cent and overall yield remained high. As a result production increased to slightly above the ten year average.

Background

Final estimates of the Scottish Cereal and Oilseed Rape Harvest are used to monitor cereal production and to meet obligations to the World Trade Organisation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Cereal and oilseed rape harvest: final estimates - 2021

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