Crops are yielding reasonably well at Elm Tree Farm, Counthorpe, Lincolnshire, but combines are at a standstill today (18 July).

Saffron winter barley had yielded between 3.7t/ha and 7.4t/ha (1.5-3t/acre), averaging almost 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre) across 53ha (130 acres).

“It wasn’t too disastrous at all – we couldn’t complain at that,” said Alan Hind.

Expower oilseed rape performed very well, considering the dry season, coming off at 4.23t/ha (1.75t/acre).

“It always looked extremely good – the oilseed rape seems to have stood the drought better than the other crops.”

Excel oilseed rape was sprayed off seven to 10 days ago, but wasn’t suffering yet, he added.

“The wheat doesn’t look too bad, but I expect yields will be well down.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Expower
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Yield: 4.23t/ha (1.75t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Saffron
Area: 53ha (130 acres)
Yield: 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre)