Estimates of crop yields and production in 2008

Yield and production estimates for the main cereal crops and potatoes for the year 2008 were issued today by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

The estimates for cereal yields were obtained from a post-harvest survey of 234 growers, whilst potato estimates were derived from a survey involving pre-harvest digs covering potato crops on over 180 farms.

Estimates for the areas of each crop were published on 20 November. The following estimates refer to crop yields and production:

-Barley: Production of winter and spring barley is up by 10% (to 131,000 tonnes) compared with 2007 (119,000 tonnes). This is due to an increase in the area grown and the average yield of winter barley in 2008. Conversely, spring barley yield and production has fallen in 2008 compared to 2007.

-Wheat: Production is up by 41% (to 96,000 tonnes) due to an increase of 32% in area planted combined with an increase of 7% in yields compared to 2007.

-Oats: Production of oats has increased by 4% (to 11,000 tonnes) despite a decrease of 13% in the average yield. The fall in yield was compensated by an increase of 19% in the area of oats planted.

-Potatoes: The pre-harvest estimate of production of maincrop ware and seed potatoes is 2% lower in 2008 than that for 2007. This is due to a combination of an 8% decrease in yield and a 7% increase in the total area of potatoes planted. The total tonnage estimated for Northern Ireland was 161,000 tonnes.

Tables can be accessed on the DARD website

Notes to Editors:

1. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619