IPCC’s AR6 Climate Report: What Does It Mean For UK Grain Industry?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released their 6th ARC report, which summarises the most recent understanding on climate change, its causes, likely consequences, and response choices. The report demonstrated that climate change is more pervasive and happening faster than previously thought, emphasising the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report provides some valuable insights on the effects of climate change, particularly the fact that mitigation of climate change effects is unlikely to occur without suitable action. So, what does this mean for the grain industry in the UK?

Wheat production in the UK is predicted to rise by 20-30% between 2069 and 2099 due to rising demand. However, the IPCC predicts negative effects on wheat production across Europe as a result of climate change. This is due, in part, to observed and projected increases in mixed mean rainfall levels and a likely increase in dry spells. The mixed weather patterns indicated by the report signal trouble for the grain industry which is so reliant on the weather.  The UK, in particular, is expected to have a high drought risk and vulnerability, as well as significant crop impacts from heat stress in southern regions. While recent UK Agri-climate studies show a general decrease in emissions since 1990, global emissions will continue to have an impact on the industry. With the increased severity of climate change, there is a need to adapt and make the necessary changes in order to meet production needs and yield maximum harvests efficiently in the face of unstable weather patterns that will undoubtedly affect harvest.

While previous and present technological advancements have centred on doubling productivity through new machinery, innovation must now focus on increased production alongside sustainability. Data, and maybe more crucially, connectivity, are at the centre of this change. Modern software solutions can provide grain businesses with the business capabilities they require to make operations productive, streamlined, and efficient. However, the integration of specialised software, such as Gold Grain, improves organisational performance by consolidating all of your key company data into a single system. Access to a unified data set optimises information flow, fosters collaboration, increases quality consistency, reduces risk, and ensures accuracy across the board, from commodity and raw material procurement to analysis, stock, and sales, as well as merchandising and distribution. With this information at your disposal, you can make informed decisions based on the most up-to-date and reliable data, allowing you to act in accordance with changing circumstances.

Centralising business data is essential for grain businesses to operate as effectively as they can. However, as environmental conditions have a greater impact on harvest, agronomy data is taking a front seat. In addition to the proven business functionality of our Primetics software, our products can be easily integrated with agronomy software solutions such as Muddy Boots. Muddy Boots are a provider of grower/agronomist software solutions that deliver analytics and reporting capabilities that provide businesses with insights into the landscape and in-season dynamics, allowing for better forecasting and performance management. They also provide the ability to configure your own sustainability programme by creating bespoke audit platforms.

Data-based operations are the future of the grain industry and there is now a more urgent need to adopt solutions to improve business performance and utilise analytics and reporting capabilities. There is no better time than now to invest in software solutions that provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions in changing circumstances and ready your grain business for the future. If you’d like to know more, or speak to one of our grain experts, please do get in touch.