Growers are being urged to fill out AHDB’s Planting and Variety Survey, which provides an estimate of the area and variety breakdown of cereals and oilseed rape to be harvested in GB. Charlotte Cunningham reports.

Data accuracy and transparency is key to markets. As such, accuracy in data collection is vital. To that end, AHDB analysist Anthony Speight says it’s critical that the levy board produce accurate, unbiased data which the industry can trust. “But, we can only do this with grower input, and with that in mind, we would ask for five minutes of your time to complete the planting survey form, which goes live this week.

“Knowing your domestic market is a key part of forming marketing strategies. The regional breakdown of GB crop area and varieties can help with this.”

The survey results inform GB and regional supply and demand. This helps to determine local prices and identify opportunities for selling, he explains. “Having independent, impartial data behind your strategy is more crucial than ever in a post-subsidy world.

“AHDB is the only source of independent and impartial area and variety data pre-Harvest. This allows us to give an early indication of cereal and oilseed output.

“In the past our data has aligned with Defra outputs, which are published several months after harvest. Further, our independent data confirms that Defra outputs are aligned and correct.”

To find out more, visit: https://ahdb.org.uk/planting-variety-survey