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NI ESTIMATES OF CROP YIELDS AND PRODUCTION IN 2004 Yield and production estimates for the main cereal crops and potatoes for the year 2004 were issued today by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The estimates for cereal yields were obtained from a post-harvest survey of 205 growers, whilst potato estimates were derived from a survey involving pre-harvest digs covering potato crops on over 180 farms.
Estimates for the areas of each crop were published on 16 November. The following estimates refer to crop yields and production: Barley: Production is up by 1% compared with 2003. This is due to a combination of a 3% rise in average yield and a 3% fall in the area planted. Wheat: Production is up by 24% due to rises of 5% in average yield and 18% in area. Oats: Production of oats was estimated to be 1% less than 2003. Average yields per hectare are 1% lower while the area grown remained similar. Potatoes: The pre-harvest estimate of production of maincrop ware and seed potatoes is 4% lower in 2004 than that for 2003. This is due to a combination of a 6% reduction in area and a 4% increase in yield. See tables below 
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