Responses to the survey, from around the country, highlight the impact the weather has had on Scottish crops.
Initially, more than 150 growers responded to the NFU’s 31st consecutive annual survey. The information on yields has been sent to the Scottish government. They then use the data alongside data from other stakeholders to produce early crop estimates for Scotland.
The average yields so far recorded by respondents to the NFUS harvest survey were; Spring barley, 6.29 tonnes per hectare (t/ha); Winter barley, 7.26 t/ha; Winter wheat, 8.51 t/ha; Winter oats, 7.3 t/ha; Spring oats, 6.96 t/ha; oilseed rape, 3.45 t/ha and rye, 7.0 t/ha.
A mixed picture was revealed from respondents around Scotland. Many described this year’s growing season and harvest as the toughest in 30 years, with a wet autumn and winter, followed by a late spring.
A good weather window in mid-to-late September was needed after tricky harvesting conditions.
Some wheats yielded 6 t/ha in some areas whilst others yielded as high as 11 t/ha, showing huge variability.
Many who managed to harvest also managed to get their winter crops in good conditions. The better weather this autumn has been positive, and early establishment has been good.
NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Chair, Jack Stevenson, who farms in Banffshire said: “The common theme we heard across Scotland for harvest 2024 was huge variations in yield and quality.
“With record rainfall in some areas since October 2023, winter crops suffered almost from the moment they were planted.
“Spring crops have done better even though they were late in the ground. We had decent amounts of sunshine and growth in June and July, and some farmers have had bumper crops of spring barley.
“Early reports of grain analysis across the country indicated a wide variance in quality. Some grain required a lot of drying, with some having moistures as high as 24 per cent. Reports are that there has been quite a lot of barley that has met the specification for malting.
“It has not been an easy year for Scottish growers and when combined with the recent drop in price in the marketplace, many farmers will be asking themselves what to do next.
“We need to build confidence in the sector for the future so that farmers see a fair return for all the efforts and resources that they put into producing such high-quality products.”
Due to the late and ongoing harvest in some parts, the NFUS survey has remained open so that a complete picture of the harvest can be collated at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D5YDBH7