A return to winter barley for the first time in ten years has resulted in yields of around 5-6.25 t/ha (2-2.5 t/acre) for Romney Marsh grower Martin Boulden.

The return to winter barley was the result of wanting to extend the oilseed rape rotation at Court Lodge Farm, Aldington, he explained.

“[The yield is] not bad considering the conditions – we’ve had two monsoons and a drought.” The 32ha (80 acres) was also on relatively poor land, following either one or two previous wheat crops.

The variety, Camion, had given a good, bold sample. “But it’s not that bright, because of all the rain in June.”

Around 50ha of oilseed rape had also been cut since the barley was finished at the weekend. “Yields are on par with what we’d expect.”

Lioness and NK Bravour were yielding 3.75t/ha (30 cwt/acre), while Catalina was doing slightly better at 4.4t/ha (35 cwt/acre).

Combining conditions underfoot were surprisingly firm, he said. “We’ve had about seven inches of rain in June, so it is wet. But the combine is on tracks and isn’t making much mess.”

 Do you have a harvest story to share on FWi? Ring Mike Abram on 0208 652 4086 or email mike.abram@rbi.co.uk, and send your harvest pictures to fwarable@rbi.co.uk

Harvest Highlights 2007 is sponsored by RAGT.