December 17, 2004

UK 2003-04 Wheat Planted Area Up 8%,Barley Down 9%

U.K. wheat plantings totaled 1.86 million hectares during the 2003-04 season, up 8% on the year, while barley plantings were down roughly 9% at 642,400 hectares, the June Agricultural Census released by the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs showed Thursday.

The total area planted to crops was up 2.6% on the year at 3.91 million hectares while the total for cereals excluding corn was also up 2.6% on the year with 2.61 million hectares planted.

This final report updates figures released on Sept. 16, Defra said.

For the census, 40,000 holdings were sent detailed forms and 10,000 holdings were sent abbreviated forms, compared to 77,000 holdings who received the census during 2003. Approximately 63% of the census questionnaires were returned, Defra said.