Slow progress near Whitchurch
Harvest is making slow progress at Fieldfare Farms, Whitchurch, Shropshire, where Rob Bebbington has been drilling oilseed rape between the showers.
“We’ve still got about 30% of our wheat left, 100% of our spring barley, and 50% of our spring wheat to do.
“Yields have been about normal – nothing to write home about.”
Grafton, Claire, Oakley and Alchemy winter wheat was averaging about 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre), with Saffron and Cassia winter barley yielding just below 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).
Cabernet and Excalibur oilseed rape was also about average, at 4t/ha (1.6t/acre).
Despite the wet weather, the wheat and Tipple spring barley looked fine, said Mr Bebbington. “It all looks bright and well.
“We’re a little bit behind here, but I don’t know anybody who’s finished harvest in the area yet.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Grafton, Claire, Oakley and Alchemy
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)
Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Cassia and Saffron
Yield: <7.4t/ha (3t/acre)
Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Cabernet and Excalibur
Yield: 4t/ha (1.6t/acre)
