UK: 2008/09 Oilseed Rape Plantings Sharply Lower

Winter oilseed rape plantings in the UK are seen sharply lower according to United Oilseeds, reports First4Farming.

A survey of the firm's members suggested the total 2008/09 winter rape area would be about 457,000ha, just over 20% below last season's 573,458ha, largely because of a protracted wheat harvest and difficult establishment conditions.

Scotland and northern England had been worst hit, with plantings estimated to be 30-40% down, while in East Anglia and the East Midlands, the predicted drop was nearer 10-15%.

"We think spring plantings could increase significantly to 60,000ha nationally as a result, which is three times their 2007/08 level, but still this is the lowest total oilseed rape planting for a long time," said United Oilseeds managing director Chris Baldwin.