Stephen Moore started combining spring barley at Manor Farm, Stapleford, Wiltshire, today (3 August), and is pleasantly surprised at yields.

“It will be better than we thought, and the sample looks nice. Compared to the Tipple at Wessex Grain it looks better.”

The Concerto would yield between 6.2t and 7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre), he said. “It will probably be closer to the 6.2t/ha.”

Mascani winter oats had yielded 8t/ha (3.25t/acre), with Dalguise coming in at 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre).

Cassata winter barley had averaged 8t/ha (3.25t/acre), and perennial ryegrass seed had also done well, said Mr Moore.

But the crop of the year would be oilseed rape, with Sesame exceeding 5t/ha (2t/acre), and Excalibur and Rhino doing just under that, to bring the overall average to 5t/ha (2t/acre). 

“We have never done anything close to that as an average, so we’re really pleased.”

He still had some Sesame to cut for seed, and a patch where frost had damaged the crop. “But it still looks okay. 

“There are some wheats being cut locally and people seem to be pleasantly surprised with them as well.”

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Concerto
Yield: 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre)

Crop: Winter oats
Variety: Mascani
Yield: 8t/ha (3.25t/acre)

Variety: Dalguise
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Cassata
Area: 28ha (70 acres)
Yield: 8t/ha (3.25t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Sesame, Excalibur & Rhino
Area: 140ha (350 acres)
Yield: 5t/ha (2t/acre).