Harvest is back on track at Lour Farms, Ladenford, Angus, after a week of frenetic activity.

“We predicted this year would be a complete disaster,” said Mike Cumming. “Last week there was no spring barley cut, but from the 2 to 7 September it was all plain sailing.” 

Mr Cumming had now cut 200ha of Propino spring barley, which came in with surprisingly good quality, considering the season. However, yields were about 15% down on last year, at 5.43t/ha.

The 66ha of winter barley, in contrast, was very poor, he said.    

It was very difficult to pick a winner from the varieties this year, with the crops’ success more dependent on particular fields than outstanding varieties.

Oilseed rape also failed to produce a star performer, although Catana produced the highest yields at 3.2t/ha.

Thankfully, Mr Cumming had drilled next year’s crop, which had already germinated.

“The next step is to harvest the 160ha of wheat that’s still standing – so far I haven’t cut a grain of wheat.

“And with the ground drying up quite a bit this week we really need to get things moving before the potato harvest.”