The 2024 harvest summary is in, but with summer a wash out and heavy floods, what does this mean for this year's yields?
Wheat is the main cereal in monogastric feed formulation in the UK. Being a main cereal used in poultry especially broiler feed formulation, nutritive quality of wheat is significant. At ABN, we take extra care to monitor the quality of wheat as variation in nutrient content of wheat could affect the quality of finished feeds. The knowledge about the cereal quality help us to understand the variation in wheat crop and adjust the feed formulations accordingly. Various growing conditions e.g. growing site, climate, rainfall, and sunshine during preharvest months could result in variation in nutrient quality of the final crop. ABN in collaboration with Frontier Agriculture collects information i.e. protein, moisture, bushel weights of new crop wheat coming into its mills and then adjust the feed formulation matrices.
With the completion of wheat harvest for this year in most part of the UK, now we can comment on nutrient quality of wheat. Protein level of 2024 wheat harvest is slightly lower compared to 2023 and averaging around 9.4%. There are regional differences in protein content of wheat but most of regions are showing a decrease in protein except Southwest and Central Scottish regions. The largest QC data set comes from wheat harvested in the Eastern part of England and this data clearly indicates a decrease in protein compared to 2023. The Northeast and Midlands counties are also reporting lower protein content. Conversely, the Southwest has recorded a slight increase in protein content (0.3%) compared to 2023 although this is based on a small set of samples analysed. Rainfall prior to preharvest help to mature plants and improve nutrient contents especially protein. This year July was much drier and observed longest hours of sunshine. Lower rainfall in July may have contributed to lower protein content. In summary, protein levels of 2024 crops are lower and would require some adjustments to matrices.
Moisture level of wheat is slightly lower in new crop wheat and averaging between 14.4-14.7%. All regions are recording a decrease in moisture level compared to previous year. Wheat from Southwest has recorded a decrease over 1% in moisture level. Lower moisture levels in new crop wheat are linked to less rainfall during preharvest month (July) in most parts of the UK. Compared to last year, in 2024, longer duration of sunshine was recorded during July, and this may result in lower moisture level of wheat (UK Met Office).
Bushel weight is considered as a rapid analysis to determine the wheat quality on arrival at the mill. Data from ABN intakes at various mills showed that so far in 2024, wheat bushel weights are better compared to previous year and nearly all regions are showing improvements in bushel weight. In 2023, we witnessed smaller grain size with lower bushel weights however, this year grain size is relatively good.
The average level of DON, Zearalenone and T2-HT2 in wheat are slightly higher compared to 2023, which is due to of higher level recorded in some regions. An increase in DON levels is recorded in Eastern regions. There are reports of higher Zearalenone level in multiple regions. Similarly higher level of T2-HT2 in wheat are recorded in several regions which require monitoring. Although, mycotoxins levels are slightly higher compared to previous year, but these levels are well below the recommended legal limits.
Alongside wheat, the quality of barley is also important being the second most used cereals. The results from winter barley indicate that protein is lower compared to last year. A large proportion of winter barley protein (42%) is averaging below 8%. This proportion is well above last year. This year barley crop has a relatively lower percentage of protein above 9%. A slight increase in average of Zearalenone and T2-HT2 in winter barley has been observed but levels are below legal limit.
A higher prevalence of ergot is being reported again this year. ABN has a zero visible ergot tolerance policy. Ergot is a significant challenge with this year’s harvest and with lower crop yield this could cause some disturbance to grain supply if not manged accordingly. The increased incidences of Ergot are higher in some regions where conditions were cool and wet during flowering which facilitated spore product and prolonged the flower period (AHDB Harvest report).
ABN would like to acknowledge Frontier for providing crop data to create this summary report.