Estimates of Crop Yields and Production in 2021

Yield and production estimates for the main cereal crops and potatoes for the year 2021 were issued today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The estimates for cereal yields were obtained from a post-harvest survey of 235 growers, whilst potato estimates were derived from a survey involving pre-harvest digs covering potato crops on approximately 70 farms.

Estimates for the areas of each crop are also published as part of the results of the June Agricultural Census on 16 December 2021.

• Barley:  Total production of barley has increased in 2021 to approximately 137,000 tonnes. The overall area grown increased by 2 per cent from 2020 levels but most of the increase in production was due to higher yields for both winter (7.5 t/ha) and spring (6.0 t/ha) crops which increased by 15 and 6 per cent respectively from 2020. 
• Wheat:  Production of wheat increased from 2020 levels to 64,000 tonnes, which was similar to the wheat production figures recorded in 2019. The area grown increased by 8 per cent but the majority of the increase can be attributed to a large increase in yields compared to 2020.
• Oats:  Total production of oats also increased from 2020 levels to approximately 11,000 tonnes. Yields increased by 7 per cent to 5.8 tonnes per hectare while the area planted was unchanged.
• Potatoes: The pre-harvest production estimate of maincrop ware and seed potatoes is 117,600 tonnes, a 9 per cent decrease from 2020.  In 2021 the area planted decreased by 7 per cent to 3,468 hectares while yields fell by 3 per cent. The total pre-harvest estimate, including early varieties also decreased by 9 per cent to 118,400 tonnes.

View tables showing Northern Ireland results.

Notes to editors: 

1. The survey results were prepared by Statistics and Analytical Services Branch, Policy, Economics and Statistics Division of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB.
2. DAERA statistics are produced in accordance with the principles and protocols set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Information on the way DAERA complies with these principles. 
3. All recent DAERA statistical releases.
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