Good harvest nationally despite challenges

Due to winterkill, the harvest of Sweden’s most common cereal crop, winter wheat, decreased significantly. In contrast to the record levels seen the previous year, the winter wheat yield was approximately one tonne lower per hectare nationwide. Consequently, the total winter wheat harvest fell by 0.6 million tonnes. Spring-sown crops produced a good harvest, largely thanks to the abundant rainfall during the week of Ascension Day. The preliminary yield for oats, 5.0 tonnes per hectare, is also the highest ever recorded. This year, autumn-sown cereals account for approximately 58 percent of the total cereal yield. In 2025, the figure was 64 percent.

Largest harvest of peas since 1997

The total harvest of peas is estimated at 96 800 tonnes, which is the largest total harvest since 1997. It is also 14 percent larger than last year’s harvest and one-third above the five-year average. The total harvest of field beans is estimated at 59 100 tonnes, which is 4 percent higher than both last year’s result and the five-year average. Yields per hectare for peas and field beans were 21 and 21 percent higher, respectively, than the five-year averages.

Large harvest of rape- and turnip seeds

The total harvest of rapeseed and turnip rape is estimated at 383 100 tonnes, marking the third-largest harvest to date. This harvest is 5 percent smaller than the unusually high level seen the previous year, yet 9 percent larger than the five-year average. The yield per hectare for winter rapeseed, the dominant oilseed crop, was 4 percent higher than the five-year average, but 9 percent lower than the previous year. Some winter rapeseed acreage did not survive the winter, which has reduced the total harvest.

Unharvested areas, waterlogged fields and wildlife damage

The growing season began with large areas sown with winter wheat and winter rapeseed in the autumn of 2025, intended to overwinter until 2026. An unusually harsh winter, characterized by low temperatures and a lack of significant snowfall, meant that a substantial portion of these crops did not survive the winter months. The spring was dry and warm, followed by more varied weather in May, which had a positive impact on the crops, particularly those sown in the spring. In Götaland, the harvest could begin very early. In Norrland, however, heavy rainfall during the early autumn has made harvesting difficult or even impossible. Many farmers also report issues with damage caused by wild animals.

“The loss of crops over the winter has taken its toll on the total harvest. The problems in Norrland, caused by excessive water, are also a concern. Results at the county level will be available later, once more data has been collected. However, one positive aspect of this year’s harvest that can already be noted is the high yield levels for spring-sown crops,” says Robert Almqvist, agronomist at SCB.