The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the ability of areas of the world to obtain grain at all, let alone at affordable prices.

The UK Grain Harvest 2022

12 August 2022
Butler Sherborn logomark

Keep up to date with the latest properties, rural business insights, market commentary and events:

Join mailing list

The Winter Wheat harvest has begun up to a month earlier for some growers and despite the warm, dry temperatures in those areas, yields and specific weight are doing well.

Indeed some farms expect to have completely finished harvest by the middle of August.

The country experienced two weeks of warm, dry, sunny weather with temperatures consistently above 25C and then a heatwave which peaked at 40.5C. Where fields would usually gradually ripen, this weather suddenly burnt crops off and meant the UK harvest has begun a good two weeks earlier than usual. Although this isn’t normal, harvesting in July is not unheard of, as 2018 was a similar year.

This is in marked contrast to last year in 2021, where many farms had 50% of crops still to be harvest at the beginning of September, as the result of two wet weeks in August where they could not get on the ground and cut anything.

This year, starting on the second wheats, yields have been coming in at 8t/ha, followed by the first wheats at 9t/ha. Despite the lack of rain, many farmers are finding that the wheat is a lovely colour, is thrashing well with moisture rates around 13/14%, and so should make milling quality.

Winter beans are usually ready to come off at the end of August, and yet many farmers are taking them off already.

However, not all crops are showing as healthy yields as the winter wheat. There is no doubt that the extreme heat, coupled with dry conditions, has stressed some crops. Spring peas have yielded disappointingly, in particular and some are experiencing poor yields on their winter beans. Although yields may be lower, the earlier harvest will enable an earlier August drill date for oil seed rape to get crops established, so they can better resist certain pests.

World Grain Market - Ukraine Affect

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the ability of areas of the world to obtain grain at all, let alone at affordable prices. The effects of this conflict coupled with climate change have brought the importance of global food security sharply into focus. Indeed, many countries will try to become as self -sufficient as they can, and increasing their reserves of certain basic commodities. Many in the world are facing not only grain shortages, exacerbated by droughts in their own areas, but high and rising grain prices, that is if they can even receive imports at all. In turn, domestic prices are rising with inflationary pressures in grain producing countries.

The sanctions imposed on Russia by the free world,  in respect of oil and gas serve to vastly increase the prices of grain and other basic commodities traded on the global markets. This is simply because energy prices are volatile and only increasing, due to scarcity and problems of supply. A secure corridor from Odessa across the Black Sea enabling grain from Ukraine to reach the world markets would provide significant relief to many. Sadly, the corridor is not being established fast enough and there are grave doubts as to maintenance of the security of the route. Realistically, only a cessation of hostilities will alleviate these issues, and there is no obvious indication that the war is coming to an end. The outlook for grain and energy markets, if you are a consumer of either or both, is bleak.

News & Comment
Read Article
The Swan, Southrop

Pub Of The Month

Our pub of the month is the award winning village pub, the Swan in Southrop. Located just a short stroll from Thyme, the Swan sits at the heart of this quaint village adjacent to the green.

Pub Of The Month
Read Article
Poulton Manor

Find A Home Worthy Of Your Story

Spring is an enticing time of year to be buying a property, the Cotswold market is flourishing, presenting a vibrant array of opportunities. With our picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and rich history, the region is not just a place to live but a lifestyle to embrace.

Find A Home Worthy Of Your Story
Read Article
Cirencester Races

Cirencester Races

We had an exhilarating day at Cirencester Races this weekend. Everyone was filled with excitement and anticipation ahead of the day.

Cirencester Races
Read Article
Interior design

5 Expert Tips for Selling Your House with Butler Sherborn – An Interior Designer’s Perspective

Selling a home is more than just listing it, it’s about presenting a lifestyle that potential buyers can envision themselves stepping into.

5 Expert Tips for Selling Your House with Butler Sherborn – An Interior Designer’s Perspective
A laptop on a desk with houseplants an coffee
Instant Digital Valuation

Wondering what your property is worth?

Get an estimated valuation for you property using our free digital valuation tool.

CAAV logo
The London Office logo
The Property Ombudsmen logo
Rics logo
Team Way Eventing logo
Rightmove logo