Harvest hit by 'extreme variability'

ARABLE farmers are facing “another challenging year” as extreme variability in yields presents a tough outlook for the sector, according to new data.

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The latest Harvest Report published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) last week, highlights the continued extreme variability in crop yields as the harvest season moves into its latter stages

While harvesting progress has been strong – outpacing five-year averages – the combination of lower yields for many growers and falling grain prices throughout the year points to significant financial challenges for arable farms.

Even where yields have exceeded expectations, the AHDB says declining prices are expected to “weigh heavily on profitability and cash flow”. For those recording low yields, the impact will be even more acute.