Growers have planted a big increase in oilseed rape as the sector continues to bounce back from recent lows.
Harvest 2026 is set to see a 30% rise in the oilseed rape area to 316,000ha from last year’s low level, according to provisional results from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s early-bird survey.
The forecast is based on official estimates for England and Scotland. Official estimates are not available for Wales or Northern Ireland, so the AHDB carried forward the 2024 areas to produce UK area estimates for 2026.
The wheat area is expected to rise by a much smaller 1% – although this will vary across the country. Barley and oat areas have declined, suggests the survey, which was carried out in early November.
“Oilseed rape is the standout [crop] for 2026,” said AHDB cereals and oilseeds analyst Helen Plant. While the increase is significant, harvest 2025 saw the smallest cropping area in 42 years, said Ms Plant. The 316,000ha forecast for 2026 would still be clearly below 2023’s 391,000ha, she added.
“Although the forecasts for autumn drilling conditions were generally good in 2025, the market environment is challenging with lower prices for cereals and lower milling and malting premiums, plus increased costs for all crops.
“As a result, oilseed rape probably had a more favourable margin outlook compared to other crops, as well as the good yields achieved in 2025.
“The poor cereal yields of the past two years, along with ongoing commitments to agri-environment schemes and rotation needs, are also likely to influence 2026 planting plans.”