According to the latest DEFRA data, Barley was a huge hit in 2025.
The figures, published in the June Agricultural Survey, provide the latest estimates of grain and oilseed crop areas for commercial holdings as of June 1, 2025.
The UK’s arable land changed in 2025, wheat had a strong recovery, and barley and oil-season rape continued to deal.
The total area of land dedicated to grain crops reached 2.5 million hectares in 2025, an increase of 1.4% compared to the previous year.
The rise is primarily due to a 8.8% spike in wheat planting, which has stopped the two-year decline, according to data.
Improved autumn weather conditions were important, allowing farmers to excavate crops without causing serious confusion in past seasons.
But Barley painted another picture. The overall barley area fell 13%, falling to 742,000 hectares (the lowest in 11 years).
Both winter and spring varieties have declined, with winter barley falling from 7.2% to 302,000 hectares, the lowest level since 2020, and spring barley falling from 16% to 439,000 hectares.
The oats offered a modest bright spot, with planted areas climbing from 9.4% to 162,000 hectares, with the last match level seen at the peak of 2020.
Wheat recovery is spreading throughout the UK, with all regions recording an increase. The most sharp proportional rise in the northwest increased by 12%.
Elsewhere, the Eastern and East Midlands regions remain the republic version of the country, which accounts for almost half of the country’s wheat regions. In total, wheat planting covers 1.5 million hectares.
Barley recession is felt in all English regions. The southeastern recorded the sharpest decline at 15%, but the eastern region continues to dominate, holding nearly a quarter of the total barley area.
The rainy weather last September prevented the sowing of barley in winter, which greatly contributed to the decline.
Meanwhile, the prospects for oilseed rape remain pessimistic. The crop planted area fell from 18% to 204,000 hectares, marking the smallest area since 1983.
This has been on a downward trend for a decade as growers leave the crop, such as pest pressures and profitability concerns.
Grain rose overall in 2025, but this figure is heavily influenced by weather and market pressures, highlighting the volatility of the crop area each year.
Wheat revival can prove a temporary revival unless favorable planting conditions persist, but barley and oilseed rape face deeper structural challenges.
