The final AHDB crop development report of the year shows that the dry spring has reduced condition ratings across the UK, although winter cereals and oilseed rape remain in a stronger position than in recent years.
Dry conditions in April and May saw many crops suffer stress and uneven development. The rainfall at the end of May did provide relief in some areas, though the AHDB says that recovery has been variable, especially on lighter soils and in the east.
According to the report, 64% of winter wheat crops are rated good or excellent, similar to the 62% of winter barley crops. Winter oats and winter oilseed rape are more positive, rated at 71% and 78% respectively.
Oilseed rape has generally performed better than winter cereals, while oats have shown greater resilience than wheat or barley. Disease pressure remains low, notwithstanding yellow rust which continues to require close monitoring.
AHDB lead analyst for cereals and oilseeds Helen Plant said: “The dry conditions through April and much of May have clearly taken a toll on crop development, particularly for spring crops and winter cereals with limited moisture reserves.
“While recent rainfall has helped in some areas, it hasn’t been enough to fully reverse earlier impacts, and in others there has not been enough to create a significant effect. Variability remains a key feature of this season.
“Despite this, crop conditions for most winter crops remain ahead of where they were at the same point last year, demonstrating the benefits of the strong start many crops experienced during the autumn and early spring.
“As harvest approaches, yield outcomes will depend heavily on local weather conditions and soil moisture availability, but there remains reason for cautious optimism across much of the UK.”
Regional differences are likely to be the defining feature of this season. England has generally being the most affected by dry weather, while the rest of the UK has benefitted from better moisture levels. Spring crops are the most impact, with establishment and early growth impacted by dry seedbeds and limited rainfall.
The ratings as of June 2026 are:
- Winter wheat: 1% very poor, 4% poor, 37% fair, 49% good, 9% excellent
- Winter barley: 0% very poor, 4% poor, 31% fair, 47% good, 17% excellent
- Winter oats: 0% very poor, 4% poor, 32% fair, 54% good, 10% excellent
- Winter oilseed rape (OSR): 1% very poor, 3% poor, 17% fair, 56% good, 24% excellent
- Spring wheat: 0% very poor, 6% poor, 60% fair, 32% good, 1% excellent
- Spring barley: 1% very poor, 10% poor, 34% fair, 43% good, 12% excellent
- Spring oats: 1% very poor, 14% poor, 42% fair, 37% good, 5% excellent
- Spring oilseed rape (OSR): 7% very poor, 2% poor, 77% fair, 13% good, 0% excellent