Russell Fraser finished cereal harvest on 11 August at Tiln Farms, Retford, Nottinghamshire, and is now about to start lifting potatoes and carrots.

“It was a strange harvest – we started the earliest ever, on 8 July, and I was expecting everything to be burnt off.

“But the Suzuka winter barley did over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), which was a very pleasant surprise.”

Cassata was more disappointing, at under 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre), with heavier ground performing worse than the light land.

Vision and Castille oilseed rape yielded well, at 4.2t/ha (1.7t/acre). “We didn’t get the last top dressing on as it was too dry, so we’ve saved a bit on nitrogen.”

Gallant winter wheat was pleasing, at just below 8tha (3.25t/acre), with Cordiale at 7.3t/ha (2.94t/acre).

Quality for both was reasonable, at 10.8-13.4% protein, and over 300 Hagberg.

“The forecast was for rain on the 12th, so we put in a lot of hours and finished at ten to one in the morning. And we haven’t turned the drier on, which is a huge saving.”

Most people had finished combining in the area, said Mr Fraser. “The balers are pretty much done too.

“But our harvest proper starts now – we’ve got carrots, parsnips and potatoes to get into – we’ll be flat out until Christmas.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Gallant
Yield: 8t/ha (3.25t/acre)

Variety: Cordiale
Yield: 7.3t/ha (2.94t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Suzuka
Area: 93ha (230 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Variety: Cassata
Area: 20ha (50 acres)
Yield: 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Vision and Castille
Yield: 4.2t/ha (1.7t/acre)