Edward Parsons is cutting spring barley at Templemans Farm, Redlynch, Wiltshire, after oilseed rape yields exceeded expectations despite dreadful frost damage in the spring.

“It looked rubbish – I don’t understand how it’s done so well,” he said.

The worst frosted field of Cabernet actually yielded the best, at almost 4.9t/ha (2t/acre), with the entire 94ha (116 acres) averaging 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre) – better than last year’s average of 4.1t/ha (1.65t/acre).

A similar acreage of Castille yielded 3.7-4t/ha (1.5-1.6t/acre).

Having finished his own oilseed rape, Mr Parsons had now moved onto Tipple spring barley.

“I didn’t expect much of it – I was thinking it could be as low as 4.9t/ha (2t/acre), but it’s actually doing alright.”

So far the 16ha (40 acres) had yielded 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre) – well down on last year’s bumper 9.1t/ha (3.7t/acre). “It’s a good bold sample.”

With another 120ha (300 acres) of spring barley to cut, Mr Parsons expected to contract combine more rape on Thursday (29 July), followed by Solstice and Claire winter wheat.

“The wheat nearly there, but the straw is pretty green – it’s all over the shop really.”

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 16ha (40 acres)
Yield: 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Cabernet
Area: 94ha (116 acres)
Yield: 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre)

Variety: Castille
Area: 94ha (116 acres)
Yield: 3.7-4t/ha (1.5-1.6t/acre)