The UK Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) crop update for May reflects changing weather conditions during the month.
The weather remained colder than its long-term average in all areas into the third week.
Rainfall was similarly weak in the first half of the month, before shifting to wetter conditions in the third week, when every region saw above-average totals ranging from 30mm to more than 80mm.
Even with this late increase in rainfall, some areas, especially those with light soils, remain moisture limited.
Humidity levels
Overall, crops are growing well, with rains in late May helping to recover from previous dry weather, although more is needed to sustain crops until harvest.
Where sufficient rain has fallen, crops have recovered, but some still lack biomass and tillage development.
Recent high temperatures (30°C+) have increased crop stress, with leaves appearing in wheat crops, suggesting that the benefits of recent rainfall may be short-lived.
Moisture availability is expected to be the main limiting factor in most parts of the UK from now on. Rainfall over the next 2-3 weeks will be crucial in determining crop productivity.
Oilseed rape (OSR) generally performed better than winter cereal crops, and in cereals, winter oats appear to be holding up better than wheat and barley.
The weather has negatively impacted the growth of early spring crops. Crops in England are generally affected worse than those in other countries in the UK.
Diseases and pests
Disease levels are generally low, but yellow rust remains a concern, especially when spraying appointments are missed or applications do not achieve adequate control. The risk of Septoria is declining due to dry weather.
Aphids are emerging as a major concern in many areas, with the potential for transmission to the ears.
Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) exists, but it’s generally at low to moderate levels so far.
Fungicide programs have generally been maintained based on crop risk rather than cost pressures, although the prolonged dry period has reduced septoria pressure, allowing reductions in some T2 applications.
When farmers reduce inputs, it is driven more by crop potential than by fuel or input costs.
At the same time, some farmers avoid using pesticides due to the requirements of the environmental scheme.
Global markets
Meanwhile, global grain prices have fallen in recent days amid improving weather forecasts, harvest pressure, and lower crude oil prices.
The expected rains will benefit newly planted corn crops in the United States and will also provide relief after hot, dry weather in Western Europe.
Traders have also repositioned as the 2026/2027 crop harvest begins in the Northern Hemisphere.
