Cereal and oilseed rape harvest - first estimates: 2018

Winter barley yield to increase but production may fall

Winter barley yields are expected to rise slightly. Expert advice indicated that the quality of winter barley has been good this year which has helped yields.

Although winter barley yield is expected to increase by around three per cent, production is estimated to fall by around 18 per cent. This is because there is an expected 21 per cent fall in the area due to poor weather conditions.

Winter barley accounts for 11% Total crop productionand 8% Total crop area

Scottish barley has a strong association as a key ingredient for the Scottish whisky industry; however, half of Scottish barley is actually used as animal feed.