Crop development

The season has been marked by an exceptionally wet winter, with some areas experiencing their wettest January and February on record. Conditions began to improve in late March, enabling spring drilling to start, and while most soils have drained better than expected, a few isolated fields remain waterlogged.

Travelling conditions are varied; tracked machinery has proved more effective in wet conditions, whereas wheeled equipment has struggled in places.

Growers have generally completed first nitrogen applications, and many are moving on to second doses, though rising fertiliser and fuel costs are prompting some to consider trimming later rates. The use of drones for early micronutrient applications has become more common.

Autumn herbicides have given good ryegrass and blackgrass control nationwide, and low insecticide use continues to be a notable trend. Disease pressure in winter wheat is rising, particularly from septoria and yellow rust, though it remains low for other winter crops.

Overall, winter crop prospects are reported to be very good.

Spring planting progress varies by soil type. Spring barley drilling is largely finished on lighter soils in areas such as the East Midlands, Norfolk, and Suffolk, but progress remains slow on heavier, wetter land.

Please note that the information in this report was captured up to Monday 23 March 2026 for AHDB by RSK ADAS Ltd.

Crop condition definitions

Crop condition was assessed using the USDA approach. This classifies crops into one of five categories, from very poor through to excellent (see details below).

The values are given as the percentage of the GB crop area for that crop that falls in each of the categories – regional condition scores are available on the crop reporting dashboard at the bottom of this page.

• Very poor – Extreme degree of loss to yield potential, complete or near crop failure
• Poor – Heavy degree of loss to yield potential, which can be caused by excess soil moisture, drought, disease, etc
• Fair – Less than normal crop condition. Yield loss is a possibility, but the extent is unknown
• Good – Yield prospects are normal. Moisture levels are adequate and disease, insect damage, and weed pressures are minor
• Excellent – Yield prospects are above normal. Crops are experiencing little or no stress. Disease, insect damage, and weed pressures are insignificant

Table 1. UK crop condition ratings

Data on UK crop conditions captured up to Monday 23 March 2026.

Source: AHDB, data captured by RSK ADAS Ltd.

Note: Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Winter wheat

Just like in November, prospects for the 2026 wheat crop are reported to be very good, with 82% of the crop rated good-to-excellent, down from 83% in November. However, the rating is sharply up in comparison to last March, when just 67% of the crop was rated good-to-excellent.

Winter barley

Like winter wheat, prospects for 2026 winter barley are reported to be very good, with 85% of the crop rated good-to-excellent. This is down from 89% in November but notably up in comparison to last March, when just 70% of the crop was rated good-to-excellent.

Winter oats

88% of winter oats are rated good-to-excellent, up from 87% in November. Furthermore, the crop is improved in comparison to last March, when 73% of the crop was rated good-to-excellent.

Winter oilseed rape

For WOSR, 84% of the crop is rated good-to-excellent, up from 82% in November. The crop is further improved in comparison to last March, when just 57% of the crop was rated good-to-excellent.

Spring crops

Spring drilling is now underway after delays caused by persistently wet soils. Progress has been steady on lighter land, while heavier fields still need more drying time. Higher seed rates are being used to compensate for later or direct drilling.

• Use the drop down menu at the top of the first chart to view the crop conditions of a particular crop in each region
  
  
• Use the drop down menus at the top of the second chart to view the percentage of a crop at each growth stage. The drop down menus can also be used to show the information for a particular region

Future reports are planned for 1 May, 29 May and 26 June 2026.

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