Harvest was testing, as I’m sure it was for many. Finding dry days to work between was hard and made all the more disappointing when the spring barley yielded so poorly.

I drilled it late after the previous autumn crop drowned as I had skimped on the subsoiling and mole ploughing; something I won’t be doing again.

It got away well and I became hopeful. However, flowering was a washout and many seed heads were left empty by the time the combine arrived.

See also: Farmer Focus: Answers found in changing my approach to soil

About the author

Anthony Becvar

Anthony Becvar is a third-generation farmer of an 80ha mixed farm in East Sussex on heavy Weald Clay. Crops include spring beans, winter wheat and spring barley, alongside diversification projects which include two breweries and an agricultural mechanic.

Read more articles by Anthony Becvar

Being aware of what my soil can, can’t and definitely won’t do, I took the decision to drill early this autumn on the 20 September.

I’m aware of the risks, but I’m an awful gambler and have absolutely no nerves left this year.

We’ve currently got wheat up in rows, but conditions since drilling have pushed its germination to the limit.

Some dry weather should allow more to poke through and allow some patching up.

Though I’d rather not have to redrill too much, as once the clay gets cold it’s pretty inhospitable. I have done the bare bottom test to discover this.

Now this part of the farming year is nearly complete, I have begun writing a list of jobs needing attention, which includes finding all the paper work for my looming Red Tractor inspection.

I don’t begrudge the inspection. I think accountability and traceability are important, especially if it visibly sets us apart from imports of cheaper products.

I’m sure we can all agree that this difference in standards needs to be put in front of the public.

But whose responsibility is that? Who gains most from doing it? Who has the ability or the best outreach?

I always enjoy a challenge and that seems to sum up farming at the moment.

It is tempting to look at Sustainable Farming Incentive options to fill the arable acreage and sit back, but the challenge of growing food, growing it right, realising potential and healing the soil is too great a draw.

It’s a challenge I know I can master, if the bloody weather would give me a chance.