UK Oilseed Rape Harvest 2025 Breaks Records
Posted by Emma on 20th Aug 2025 Reading Time:
The 2025 UK oilseed rape (OSR) harvest is on track to break records, with national average yields forecast at 3.95–4.0 tonnes per hectare. This would surpass the long-standing record of 3.91t/ha set in 2011.
United Oilseeds attributes the uplift to:
- Improved seed genetics
- Reduced cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) pressure
- Favourable weather conditions
With 227,000 hectares harvested, total production is expected to reach nearly 900,000 tonnes—an uplift of around 200,000 tonnes compared with the long-term average.
Economic Impact
The increase represents an additional £100 million contribution to UK GDP before wider knock-on effects are considered.
- Haulage: Nearly 7,000 extra lorry journeys are required, worth over £3 million to the transport sector.
- Employment: Equivalent to 14–15 full-time truck driving roles supported by haulage alone.
- Allied industries: Merchants, processors, laboratories, and levy-funded research projects all benefit from the increased throughput.
James Warner, managing director of United Oilseeds, commented:
“Our members are delighted to see yields lift this year, with the benefits of the OSR Reboot work now coming through. For those prepared to give the crop the focus it deserves, oilseed rape continues to prove why so many still regard it as the number one break crop.”
Market Prices and Farm Economics
Farmgate OSR prices are currently in the range of £370–£420 per tonne. At yields of 4.0t/ha, revenues of £1,600/ha are achievable, with gross margins exceeding £1,000/ha in many cases.
- OSR is comfortably outperforming wheat and other combinable crops this season.
- Stable prices, coupled with high yields, confirm OSR as one of the most profitable cropping options in 2025.
Food Security and By-Products
The additional 200,000 tonnes of OSR reduces reliance on global imports and strengthens domestic supply chains.
- Rapeseed oil: Around 90,000 tonnes produced—the equivalent of 90 million bottles.
- Rapemeal: Over 100,000 tonnes generated, enough for 100 million daily cattle rations.
Environmental Benefits
OSR’s bright yellow flowers provide an early-season food source for pollinators. This year’s increased flowering area and density delivered higher levels of nectar and pollen across the countryside.
Outlook
United Oilseeds and AHDB are encouraging growers to maintain momentum. Joint initiatives such as the CSFB Research+ programme and the Top 10 Management Strategies for Combatting CSFB continue to support the long-term viability of OSR in the UK.
Warner added:
“Lower CSFB pressure, favourable growing conditions, and major advances from seed breeders have all played their part. We’re optimistic that this will encourage more growers to bring OSR back into their plans for the season ahead.”