Winter barley yields and quality are looking good across the country, although many fields suffered over the wet winter, according to Agrii agronomist David Neale.

“I was on farm last night (1 August) where they were combining until midnight to get the barley off – and it’s produced a lovely bold sample,” he said.

“In Perth, Scotland, they were cutting earlier in the week – I think by early next week we’ll have a good idea of what yields are like.”

Yields had been very field-dependent, so while the average was quite pleasing so far, that hid a wide variation between fields and farms, he added.

“I’ve heard of hybrids and six-rows yielding 10t/ha, and bushel weights are pretty good, even on the lighter soils.”

The big unknown was oilseed rape, said Mr Neale. “Maturity is extremely variable, so farmers need to look out for red and green seeds. It’s going to be a bit of balancing act.”

Mr Neale advised farmers to desiccate their rape and then leave less-ripe areas to cut later. “I think we’re going to see a lot of split fields; it’s going to be very frustrating.”

Some barley was still green in the straw, but the warm, sunny weather should ripen it quickly, he added. “It’s just a case of being patient.”

Winter wheat crops looked very variable, with many having been drilled very late into difficult conditions.

“There is plenty of take-all out there, but there has been good disease control and ear fertility,” said Mr Neale.

“One client has cut some Cordiale near Reading, Berkshire, and it came off at 82kg/hl and 12.5% protein – that’s quite encouraging.”