After another remarkably challenging growing season, the NFU is urging members to take part in its harvest 2024 survey.

The survey aims to build a detailed database of yields across the UK.

Crop performance data will then be used as evidence to put forward cases to government policymakers to help support a resilient sector and support food security.

NFU Combinable Crops Board chairman Jamie Burrows stressed how a handful of minutes online can make a difference for the sector.

See also: Worst harvest for nearly 40 years at Northumberland farm

“We will take this forward across our lobbying, laying bare the challenges in the combinable crops sector.

“It means we will be able to show how this year’s perfect storm of increased input costs and weather affected harvest,” says Jamie.

Data collected is not only important on a national scale, but also at a regional level.

This is where variations, especially weather and soil type, will tell the story of the disparities across the country.

“The more regional data we have, the more tailored we can be when taking this information back to MPs and officials, the more relevant a case we can make,” he says.

The survey should only take a few minutes and should be undertaken once harvest is complete to get the most accurate figures possible.

“It is a lot to ask at such a busy time of year, as I know the work doesn’t stop once the combine has been put away.

“But those few minutes will help us build the strongest possible evidence.

“I’m also conscious that this growing season has been one that many of us will want to get over.

“However, the strength of the picture we can present will be determined by the number of responses.

“I would like to encourage everyone to take part.”

The deadline for the survey to be submitted is the 29 September.

Take the harvest survey