England Faces Second-Worst Harvest on Record Amid Climate Challenges

England has experienced its second-worst harvest on record in 2025, with farmers producing only 16.2 million tonnes of cereals and oilseeds, according to data released by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). This figure is only slightly above the 16.1 million tonnes harvested in 2020, marking a significant decline in agricultural output. The current situation highlights a troubling trend, as three of the five worst harvests recorded since 1984 have occurred within the last decade, primarily attributed to extreme weather conditions.

Defra figures reveal England's second worst harvest in historyEngland has second worst harvest on record: commentThe Telegraph - UKFarmers warn extreme weather hitting UK wheat harvestsGrain markets unmoved by Defra’s dismal harvest data

The 2025 harvest was impacted by a combination of climatic extremes, including one of the warmest springs and driest summers in over a century. Wheat production is estimated at 10.6 million tonnes, a 4.9% increase from the previous year, but still below expectations due to drought conditions. Conversely, barley production fell sharply by 14% to 4.2 million tonnes, while oat yields decreased by 2.3%. Notably, oilseed rape bucked the trend with a 29% increase in yields, reaching 722,000 tonnes.

Defra figures reveal England's second worst harvest in historyEngland has second worst harvest on record: commentGrain markets unmoved by Defra’s dismal harvest dataFarmers warn extreme weather hitting UK wheat harvestsThe Telegraph - UK

Tom Lancaster, an analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), emphasized that the severity of this harvest was unexpected and reflects the ongoing challenges farmers face due to climate change. He stated, “We have now seen three of the five worst harvests on record this decade after extreme weather, telling a story of escalating climate impacts that farmers are unable to cope with.”

The Telegraph - UKFarmers warn extreme weather hitting UK wheat harvestsDefra figures reveal England's second worst harvest in historyEngland has second worst harvest on record: commentGrain markets unmoved by Defra’s dismal harvest data

The implications of these poor harvests extend beyond financial strain on farmers; they pose significant risks to national food security. Lancaster warned that the ongoing trend of extreme weather is detrimental to farm incomes and the overall stability of food supplies in the UK. He urged for urgent government and business support to help farmers adapt to these climatic extremes, advocating for investments in sustainable farming practices and healthier soils.

Defra figures reveal England's second worst harvest in history

Farmers have voiced their concerns regarding the lack of adequate support to cope with these challenges. Colin Chappell, a farmer from Lincolnshire, expressed frustration over the closure of green farming schemes, stating, “I need more support to be able to adapt to these extremes and build the resilience of my business.” The reliance on imports has increased, with wheat self-sufficiency dropping from 96% in 2023 to 79% in 2024, indicating a shift towards foreign grain sources.

Farmers warn extreme weather hitting UK wheat harvests

• “Tom Lancaster, at the ECIU, said: “This harvest is even worse than expected, and marks a second successive poor harvest.” — Tom Lancaster, ECIU

The Telegraph - UK

• “This is what farming with climate change looks like, as extreme weather wrecks harvests, hits farm incomes and reduces our food security.” — Tom Lancaster, ECIU

Defra figures reveal England's second worst harvest in history

• “I have never known a more challenging time to farm,” — Colin Chappell, Lincolnshire Farmer

Farmers warn extreme weather hitting UK wheat harvests

The 2025 harvest crisis in England underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies in agriculture to combat the escalating impacts of climate change. As farmers face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, the call for government intervention and support becomes more critical to ensure the resilience of the agricultural sector and the nation's food security.

The Telegraph - UK