Arable sector is facing ‘disappointing’ year

HARVEST: Cereal yields ‘do not look to be making up for poor prices’

Combines have been slow to start rolling on many farms across Scotland, but momentum is now building for harvest 2016.

According to NFU Scotland’s annual harvest round-up, winter barley harvest is almost complete, with farmers reporting yields and quality at or below average.

Winter oats cutting is under way, and growers in earlier areas are moving into fields of spring barley and wheat.

Many oilseed rape growers have been left disappointed after high winds in the middle of the month caused seedpods to shatter just as harvest approached.

But growers are persevering with the crop, and oilseed plantings are moving ahead.

NFU Scotland combinable crops chairman Ian Sands, who farms in Perthshire, said: “Generally this year’s harvest has been better in some areas than others.

“The strong winds and heavy showers in August have had an impact on yields, particularly in the east of the country, with many waiting by combines to make the most of any dry spell.

“A lot of what we have so far is based on anecdotal evidence from members around the country.

“As we now move into autumn, many will also be facing additional drying costs in a year when prices are very disappointing.”

He said the arable sector was also battling the burden of greening elements of the Common Agricultural Policy. “Gold-plating by the Scottish Government around greening rules has impacted on our competitiveness,” said Mr Sands.

“Combine the challenges of the weather with low commodity prices, and the arable sector is facing a disappointing and challenging year once again.”

He said winter barley harvest in the region was complete, with growers reporting “very average yields”.

Oilseed rape was also in store but low yields were reported, with the wind causing significant losses.

“Little spring barley has been cut but it is slow to come ready,” said Mr Sands.

“Some people have cut a little wheat, which looks OK, but not really enough is cut to tell yet.

“All-in-all we are looking down the barrel of a very poor year for the cereal sector – far worse than last year – as yields do not look to be making up for poor prices.”

In the north-east, growers have fared better than counterparts elsewhere in the country with higher than average winter barley grain yields, but the straw yield has been disappointing.

Winter oats yields in the region have been higher than expected, with moisture levels similar to winter barley.

Wheat is reported as “some way off”, with growers hoping to avoid heavy showers.

Andrew Moir, who farms at Mains of Thornton, near Laurencekirk, said some farmers in the region had started cutting spring barley, with reports of “poorer than desirable yields but with low nitrogen levels”.

The union’s arable policy manager, Peter Loggie, urged all growers to participate in NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Survey 2016.

A form can be obtained by emailing peter.loggie@nfus.org.uk or an electronic survey is available online at http://bit.ly/2bYSIfC.

Picture: PA. The winter barley harvest is almost complete, with farmers reporting yields and quality at or below average. Winter oats cutting is under way, and growers in earlier areas are moving into fields of spring barley and wheat.