Into wheat at Charlbury Farms
Julian Cooke hopes to be combining wheat at Charlbury Farms, Swindon, Wiltshire, this afternoon (12 August), having pulled out of oilseed rape.
“We’ve got a bit of oilseed rape left, which is not quite fit; it’s hanging on for ages, so wheat will be next; we’re just changing the header over.”
The oilseed rape cut so far had been excellent, with Cabernet reaching up to 7t/ha (2.8t/acre) in places and averaging 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre) across 23ha (130 acres).
Another 40ha (100-acre) plot on lighter ground also managed over 5t/ha (2t/acre).
Excalibur on more challenging ground averaged about 4.9t/ha (2t/acre).
“The weather is not looking very promising right now, but the wheat looks alright,” he said.
“I’ve heard of some very good bushelweights locally, so I hope it will be the same for us.”
Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Cabernet
Area: 63ha (230 acres)
Yield: 5-6.2t/ha (2-2.5t/acre)
Variety: Excalibur
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Yield: 4.9t/ha (2t/acre)
