A difficult start to the year is now reflected in harvest figures.
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) first Harvest Report of 2026, cereal yields are below the 10-year average, with some farms reporting substantial reductions.
The early harvest follows a difficult spring, with the percentage of winter wheat rated good or excellent falling from 74% in April to 58% in late June following a dry spell.
Anthony Hopkins, director of cereals and oilseeds at AHDB, said: "Following successive years of difficult weather and rising costs, the financial pressures are becoming increasingly acute for those businesses hardest hit."
While growers have generally managed grain moisture levels well, crop quality has so far shown more promise than yields.
The harvest is the earliest since AHDB records began in 2006, with combines entering fields earlier than ever before after another season of hot, dry weather.
Farmers in the south and east of England finished harvest two to three weeks ahead of the long-term average.
The back-to-back early harvests in 2025 and 2026 have underscored the impact of prolonged dry weather.
Despite the tough conditions, oilseed rape has shown signs of improvement, with average yields showing signs of improvement.
Performance has varied widely across the country, influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil type and crop choices.
Crops on lighter soils have generally performed worse, while those on heavier ground have benefited from better moisture retention.
Anthony Speight, AHDB senior analyst for cereals and oilseeds, said: "At this stage, the emerging picture points to disappointing cereal yields in many areas, but we'll gain a clearer understanding as harvest continues."
The AHDB’s harvest report, published on July 31, is the first of four expected this season.
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