Flooded crops in Perthshire
Cereal crops are under water near Auchterarder, Perthshire, with high winds and flooding causing havoc.
“It’s still very windy today (13 September),” said Eric Haggart at Bailielands Farm.
“We’ve been unable to get much of the baling done, and the straw is washing out of the bottom of fields.
“We let some potato ground to a neighbouring farmer, and 4ha (10 acres) of that is under water – plus 8ha (20 acres) of my cousin’s barley next door is flooded too.”
Mr Haggart was about 80% through harvest – further ahead than many in the area, who were more like 50-60% through, he said.
“We’ve got 22ha (55 acres) of wheat and 5ha (12 acres) of barley left, but I haven’t ventured into them today.
“The quality is going to deteriorate from now on, especially the malting barley, as it really needs to be cut.”
On a positive note, yields had been very good, with spring barley at 6.4-6.8t/ha (2.6-2.75t/acre).
“The quality is very good, too, with the Propino at 1.45-1.5% nitrogen and Concerto at 1.6%, although the Markoff not quite high enough for the 1.85% contract.”
Alchemy and Invicta wheat yields were slightly below average following last year’s wet autumn.
“We’ve only cut Alchemy as a second wheat so far and it might just touch 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).
“All in all we’re quite happy, and the forecast is looking good for the next couple of days so we’re optimistic that we’ll be back on soon.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Alchemy
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)
Crop: Spring barley
Varieties: Propino, Concerto and Markoff
Yield: 6.4-6.8t/ha (2.6-2.75t/acre)
