The winter oilseed rape area looks to be increasing significantly.

Speaking with agronomists across the country, many expect the total area to be up by approximately 25%, while some are reporting an increase of as high as 50% in their area.

Many new growers have entered the market and it is good to hear that as some people drilled crops they also forward sold crops for the 2027 harvest at prices of €500-510/t.

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Winter oilseed rape area is estimated to have increased massively in 2026 by 6,765ha to 18,150ha, according to figures from the Department of Agriculture.

A further 25% increase would bring the area to almost 22,000ha.

The early harvest saw fields cleared early and paved the way to get oilseed rape crops into the ground.

However, some growers are limited on an area increase due to rotation.