Philip Shotbolt is looking forward to retiring at the end of the month, following an average final harvest at Ingthorpe Farm, Stamford, Lincolnshire.
“It would have been nice to have gone out on a high, but we’re quite pleased with the prices, and the milling quality was there.”
Gallant wheat averaged close to 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), with PR46W21 oilseed rape at about 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre).
Linseed was rather more disappointing, at 1.5-1.7t/ha (0.6-0.7t/acre).
“But some people’s linseed failed altogether, and ours was easy to harvest, so it wasn’t a complete disaster. It wasn’t too bad, considering the droughty conditions.”
Mr Shotbolt’s family had rented Ingthorpe Farm since 1940, and he was even born there.
“It’s the end of an era, but I’m looking forward to having a bit more time to myself.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Gallant
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)
Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: PR46W21
Area: 38ha (95 acres)
Yield: 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre)
Crop: Linseed
Area: 34ha (85 acres)
Yield: 1.5-1.7t/ha (0.6-0.7t/acre)
View Harvest Highlights Gallery