The AHDB Planting and Variety Survey is said to provide the earliest view of the planted area for the upcoming harvest in the United Kingdom (UK).
The Planting Survey will estimate the area of cereals and oilseed rape intended for harvest in 2022 in the UK. The Variety Survey aims to assess the varietal composition of wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape crops in the UK. The results of this survey will allow the industry to accurately quantify domestic production, at a time when food security is more important than ever.
The information can be used to shape the domestic market and trade and assist levy payers in their marketing decisions. It will detail regional differences in cropping across the UK, which will help inform crop development and focus the genetic development for future seasons.
David Bell, AHDB cereals and oilseeds sector council member and Scottish farmer said: “Every year, I take the time to complete the Planting and Variety Survey managed by AHDB. This is a vital barometer for the whole supply chain looking ahead to the harvest.
“Although it may seem that it’s not going to massively impact you or your farm decisions, knowing the future supply of grain in the UK is hugely important in giving our overseas customers and buyers of our grain knowledge of the UK situation. Not only are we talking about raw grains, but also the crop outlooks for spring barley for instance, so that international malt buyers are aware of how the UK crop is shaping up.
“Although a cliché, this year is more vital than ever. A volatile economic climate, input costs growing all the time and the conflict in Ukraine means your help and input will make a real difference.”
Simply provide the area harvested in 2021 and your intended harvest area for 2022, together with the variety, for each crop listed. This can be easily and simply completed via the online portal.
The results of the Planting Survey will be available online at www.ahdb.org.uk in July, and a more detailed analysis will be available on the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds market pages.