The latest data from the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU) suggests the UK pea drilled area is up 23% in 2024, compared to the national 5-year average. The national crop sits at just over 100kHa, made up of 73kHa in combining, and 27kHa in vining peas.
The National Farm Research Unit aims to advance agricultural practices, promote sustainable farming, and enhance the overall productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector. In partnership with Kynetec, insights into the latest ‘state of the nation’ comes straight from a direct annual survey of over 12,000 UK farmers.
Terrible winter drilling conditions led to speculation of an increased spring arable area, where spring barley was generally assumed to be the replacement crop of choice.
Richard Wood, Key Account Manager UK, Kynetec comments “The ongoing wet spring forced many hands, meaning farmers opted for later drilling options with combining peas up 22%, vining peas up 26%, and forage maize up 16%, all increasing significantly compared to the national 5-year average.”
Richard continues “Expectations based on memories of the 2020 season were washed away when the resulting spring barley estimated crop of around 125kHa ended up around 86kHa. This hectarage was just 15% over the rolling 5-year average of 74kHa, excluding 2020.”
Last season’s reduced potato area has increased but is still 12% below the rolling 5-year average, as growers assess commercial viability. Sugar beet however is up 20% over the rolling average at just over 100k Ha.
This up-to-date data helps keep the focus on what is happening at any one time in agriculture. Farmers are encouraged to participate in national research by the NFRU, where their insight helps the industry keep its finger on the pulse.
“Understanding and keeping abreast of what is happening on and in the ground is key for UK agriculture. Farmers wanting to help keep the industry informed and interested in joining our NFRU panel are invited to contact nfru@kynetec.com or visit https://www.nfru.co.uk/,” Richard concludes.
