Harvest 09: Variable yields in Essex
Harvest in Essex is between half and three-quarters complete, according to agronomist Charles Carter.
“In South Essex they’ve done more – one or two have finished – but in North Essex it’s less.”
Wheat and oilseed rape yields had been extremely variable, he said. “On good land the rape has been yielding well, but it has not done so well on light land.”
Oilseed rape yields had topped a record 5.4t/ha (2.2t/acre) in one field of Castille, and wheat ranged from 10t/ha (4t/acre) to 5t/ha (2t/acre).
“The roots never got going in the autumn and when it came to the dry spell the crops just died off.”
However, quality was generally good, with 50ha (125 acres) of Solstice at DJL Robarts’ farm near Little Hallingbury yielding 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre) at 80kg/hl, 343 Hagberg and 14.4% protein.
Although Mr Carter had not seen much sprouted wheat, a lot had lost its colour. “And if it gets much more rain I think it will sprout quite quickly.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Solstice
Area: 50ha (125 acres)
Yield: 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre)
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