Paul Gluyas was hoping to drill wheat today (28 September) at Pencoose farm, Stithians, Cornwall, but has been rained off.

“We put the first field of winter wheat in yesterday, but it started raining as soon as we got up this morning, which was a bit disappointing.”

However, it was still plenty early enough, as early drilled wheat on the farm tended to suffer from aphids, he said.

Cereal yields were excellent this year. “But harvest was very difficult, as is becoming usual.”

Alchemy winter wheat averaged 10t/ha (4t/acre) after potatoes, hitting a high of 11.1t/ha (4.5t/acre) in one field, for the first time. “But it did start to sprout.”

Westminster spring barley reached 5.6t/ha (2.25t/acre), with Saffron winter barley at 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre).

Mascani winter oats yielded slightly below average, although one field still topped 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).

“Ploughing is not completed but we’re really up to date, which is pleasing.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Alchemy
Yield: 10t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Westminster
Yield: 5.6t/ha (2.25t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Saffron
Yield: 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre)

Crop: Winter oats
Variety: Mascani
Yield: <7.4t/ha (3t/acre)