With spring approaching, farmers face crucial decisions about their cropping strategies and the added impact of the Autumn Budget means it is even more vital to pick money earning opportunities.

The Budget revealed an unexpected rapid acceleration in the phasing out of Basic Payment Scheme payments, forcing farmers to look at ways to bolster income in 2025 while being constrained by cashflow.

However, the good news is that autumn drilling has progressed better than last year, where the challenging drilling conditions inflated the spring cropping area.

See also: Expert sets out six steps to better spring barley yields

So it’s no surprise that the AHDB Early Bird Survey shows a significant reduction in spring cropping area compared with last year, with spring barley expected to decrease by 13%, although it will continue being the most popular spring crop. 

Pulses had a strong year after two challenging seasons – so could this success tempt farmers back to peas and beans in 2025?

Or will last autumn’s Budget force more radical changes to spring cropping plans with a proportion of the area replaced with Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options?

Spring cropping benefits

Even with the reduction in total spring cropping, many farmers are still looking at spring crops as a way to spread workload and manage risks such as grassweeds. 

Graham Redman, a partner at The Andersons Centre and author of the Nix Farm Management Pocketbook, explains: “Spreading cultivation between autumn and spring improves efficiency, reduces horsepower needs and lowers equipment depreciation costs.” 

Spring cropping also remains effective for managing grassweed problems like blackgrass.

“It’s a well-rehearsed strategy in the arable sector and one that continues to pay dividends,” he adds. 

Financial considerations  

While gross margins are vital, factors such as risk management, workload distribution, and long-term sustainability are equally important.  

The 2024 Budget, with increases in national insurance and the minimum wage, will significantly affect some farm businesses, particularly those reliant on manual labour.

“For combinable crop farmers, the changes may not drastically influence decisions,” says Graham. “But high-value horticultural and field vegetable growers face the greatest challenges, with costs expected to rise by 10% over the next 12 months.” 

To adapt, farmers might invest in mechanisation within the sector to optimise workforce efficiency or even shift to less labour-intensive crops.  

Fixed-price agreements within agri-environmental schemes could also be viable, but require careful consideration.

“These schemes offer guaranteed payments over three years,” says Graham. “But farmers must calculate the returns and understand the commitment involved.

“Some farmers are using it within their rotation, allowing less fertile land to come out of production optimising other hectares.”  

Michael Thornton, head of crop production at ProCam, acknowledges the opportunity, but warns farmers to proceed carefully with fixed-price initiatives.  

“Yes, you get a guaranteed payment,” says Michael. “But establishment and maintenance costs mean it’s not a no-cost option. Careful planning is essential.” 

Farmers should consult their agronomists to manage weeds and other issues effectively.

“Professional execution is key to maximising the benefits while avoiding unintended consequences,” he adds.  

Traditional crops  

For many farmers, spring barley remains a cornerstone of spring cropping. “Spring barley has been a popular choice historically,” says Michael.

“It spreads harvest risk, tackles grassweeds, and improves soil conditions.” 

While the price of spring barley remains modest at around £140/t, higher premiums in the malting and distilling markets adds value.  

He advises focusing on quality varieties such as Skyway and Laureate, which cater to multiple markets.

“The malting and distilling industries continue to drive demand, especially in Scotland, where barley is crucial for whisky production.” 

With more farmers moving from oilseed rape, Michael predicts a shift towards other crops such as spring oats, beans, and peas.

“Many farmers are stepping back from oilseed rape due to its variability and risks,” he says.  

“A lot of people gave it one more chance but, after this year, they can’t afford to take that risk.   

“If you can grow it well, then that’s great,” he continues. “But even crops that look promising without flea beetle larvae still carry uncertainty, you’d have to be brave to confidently predict a yield.” 

For farmers coming out of oilseed rape, and looking for a break crop to follow with wheat, pulses could be a worthy consideration. 

“Spring pulses offer a valuable break crop option and performed well last season,” he explains.

“It rained a lot, and they both like moisture, so yields were a lot better than usual  – but they also came off late, which can be problematic.” 

Farmers considering spring pulses should evaluate their soil types and local conditions carefully.

Peas tend to thrive on lighter land, while beans perform better on heavier soils.

However, both crops require careful management to mitigate potential challenges such as compaction and late harvest timing.  

“Success often hinges on replicating the conditions that led to high yields in previous years,” he adds.

“It’s about optimising nutrient uptake and avoiding common pitfalls such as soil moisture stress.” 

Soil health remains a foundational element of successful spring cropping, and with heavy rainfall during the winter likely to have depleted residual nitrogen levels, nutrient management is even more critical.  

Michael emphasises the importance of early soil testing and tissue sampling to help farmers make better cropping decision.

“Testing your soil’s nutrient density is crucial. And tissue sampling can identify nutritional deficiencies early and ensure crops are resilient to climate variability,” he advises.  

“Spring crops have a shorter growing season, so any delay in drilling can significantly impact yields.

“Assuming conditions are right, my advice would be to drill as early as your ground conditions will allow.” 

Compaction caused during harvest is another concern. Many farmers have resorted to ploughing to open up the ground and improve drainage, a practice which is likely to continue into the spring to prepare fields for optimal planting conditions. 

Niche crops

For those looking beyond traditional options such as barley and pulses, niche crops offer alternative potential and revenue.  

Nigel Padbury, seed and marketing manager at Premium Crops, advocates for the potential of minor crops such as spring linseed and red wheat.  

“Planting niche crops can be financially rewarding,” he says. “They also come with other benefits, like better weed control, reduced input requirements, and wider sowing windows.” 

Spring linseed, for instance, boasts a flexible sowing window from late March to the end of April, and current contract prices hover around £500/t.

With an average yield of 2t/ha, it’s an attractive option for many. Similarly, red wheat offers inherent sustainability advantages.

“It doesn’t require late nitrogen applications to boost protein content, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly,” adds Nigel.

Looking ahead

Despite these benefits, he highlights the SFI scheme has added competition.  

“Some farmers are opting for SFI actions over niche crops. And while the schemes provide a guaranteed income, niche crops can often produce better gross margins when managed well.” 

Spring 2025 offers farmers an array of options, from traditional barley and pulses to niche crops and agri-environmental schemes but the key is strategic planning and adaptability. 

“Careful planning and a willingness to adapt will be key to navigating these challenges successfully”, says Graham.  

By leveraging expert advice, focusing on soil health, and considering the broader implications of their choices, farmers can position their business for a productive and sustainable growing season. 

Gross margins for key spring cropping options
	Spring milling wheat	Spring malting barley	Spring oats	Spring OSR	Spring linseed	Spring beans	Blue peas	Marrowfats
Yield (t/ha)	6.00	5.75	5.60	2.25	1.75	3.90	4.00	3.60
Price (£/t)	£202	£192	£170	£425	£480	£240	£287	£368
Straw (£/ha)	£165	£182	£182
Output (£/ha)	£1,377	£1,286	£1,134	£956	£840	£936	£1,148	£1,325
Variable costs (£/ha)	£505	£373	£370	£316	£277	£359	£350	£493
Gross margin (£/ha)	£872	£913	£764	£641	£563	£577	£798	£831
Source: The Andersons Centre