UK: Wheat harvest well under way on early land

FWi -- Combines are rolling again across parts of the country, with wheat harvest getting underway on the early land.

In Kent, Martin Boulden had finished his oilseed rape and winter barley, and was cutting Gerald winter oats today (30 July). Rape yields had been variable, and the barley and oats had averaged 7.4t/ha (3t/acre). We'll be doing some Claire winter wheat later today, he said.

Bill Harbour was also ready to start on his Xi19 wheat, having finished some disappointing rape near Faversham, Kent,

However, three varieties of rape produced a similar, average, yield, at Adrian Dixons Northbrook Farm, Micheldever, Hants, coming in at 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre). Oil contents were high at 44-45.5%.

In Wiltshire James Dean was combining his rape today, having finished the winter barley. His Flagon winter barley suffered from poor screenings but the Cassata did better, with both varieties yielding 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).

Suzuka winter barley had yielded very well at Jonathan Booths Ranby Hall, Market Rasen, Lincs, averaging 10.2t/ha (4.1t/acre). His winter wheat was still about a week away, he said. Its looking very promising.