Jonathan Fenwick
This year's wheat yields have been hovering below the five-year average of 10.4t/ha at Jonathan Fenwick's (pictured) Beelsby House Farm.
"Yields have been extremely variable, ranging from 8.9t/ha up to 10.9t/ha, which is not outstanding, but by no means a disaster given the conditions," he said.
The top yielding varieties Oakley, Conqueror and Cordiale have all performed well in the Lincolnshire Wolds, and Humber has yielded well over 9.8t/ha on light land.
By Tuesday afternoon (31 August), about 75% of wheat crops had been harvested, leaving Clare, Invicta and Humber to be cut. Most were grown for seed.
However, thankfully crops still left in the ground were not sprouting or lodging and quality was generally good. "It has only just ripened, so it's not going to sprout. I don't grow a lot of milling wheat, so quality is not such an issue."
Catchy conditions had been causing problems with some crops cut at less than ideal moisture levels, he added.
"We have cut as high as 18-19% and we have been putting the crops in a heap and drying them with a fan," said Mr Fenwick.
From Sunday (22 August) damp conditions meant the combine left the shed on just a few occasions.
Instead, he has been making the most of regular enforced breaks by drilling 240 of the 325ha of oilseed rape seed. "The first batch that we have drilled is all looking well with very little evidence of slug damage at this stage."
As well as the remainder of the wheat, by Tuesday afternoon, Wizard winter beans, Fuego spring beans and spring oilseed rape were still left to cut.
"The winter beans look well, but the Fuego gave up in the drought, so we are not expecting big yields," he said.
Overall, Mr Fenwick has generally been pleased with harvest. "It has been disappointing as far as the 5-10 year average, but considering the weather we've had, I've been encouraged," he said. "It's always nice to see prices go up as well."
Tony Reynolds
Wheat yields were "pretty satisfying", but not as good as the Autocast-drilled oilseed rape for Tony Reynolds.
"Overall, we averaged about 8.5t/ha for winter wheat and the quality is good. If it weren't for the drought, it could have been even better."
Grafton yielded 8.5t/ha at 16% moisture content; JB Diego 7.9t/ha at 16%, Scout 8.15t/ha at 17.5%, Alchemy 9.3t/ha at 17% and Glasgow yielded 9.3t/ha between 15-17%.
"We didn't achieve the magic 4t/acre anywhere this year for the first time in seven years and we are about 0.25t/acre down on last year's results," he said.
"It's a bit disappointing compared with our oilseed rape yields, but all things considered, it's been a good harvest."
All the wheat, apart from the Glasgow, was combined early, before Sunday (22 August). Since then, a week of wet and unsettled weather has kept the combine locked in the shed at Thurlby Grange.
Only half the average amount of rain fell on the farm in May, June and July, with 14mm, 24mm and 34mm recorded, respectively. But the wheat crops were ready to be combined before the wet weather came in August (120mm).
"The drought caught us out and did a lot of crop damage," he said. "The wheats suffered, especially JB Diego, which died in patches."
Alchemy and Scout crops were being supplied on a contract with Weetabix, whereas about half the crops have been placed with a merchant.
Despite the lighter tonnage, wheat quality has been high and Hagbergs looked good. High prices were also welcome.
After dry conditions returned, Firth oats were cut on Monday (30 August) yielding 6.2t/ha at 10% moisture. This left just 40ha of Fuego spring beans to cut.
"We have tested a sample of the Fuego at 18.5%, but they looked grotty and shrivelled up," he said.
Mr Reynolds admitted his bumper yields of 4.9t/ha for Alienor oilseed rape were "more down to luck than good judgment". "We needed a variety that gives good early vigour, which Alienor provided," he said.
"This is the first crop we have harvested that has been Autocast and we are thrilled with the results."
He expected to wrap up harvest soon providing the weather holds. "If the beans dry out we'll be done by the end of the week."