Harvest finished after midnight on July 28 for Nottinghamshire farmer Russell Fraser in Retford. “It was very early but went very well, apart from the peas.”

Winter wheat was “very respectable” with Cordiale yielding 6.85t/ha and Gladiator at 7.8t/ha. Quality of the 152ha of wheat was also very good, with protein at 14.6–14.85%, Hagbergs of 420–485 and bushel weights of 74–78.5kg/hl.

“We’re very pleased. It’s well up on average, probably due to the rain in May. They were early varieties, but then they were still early!”

Next year he plans to continue growing Cordiale, but will change Gladiator for Alchemy.

Westminster spring barley was grown for seed and yielded 6.2t/ha, which he plans to grow again next year. But he said the peas were very disappointing due to a lack of moisture during pod fill.

Mr Fraser added: “We’re pleased it all came off so early. It gives us time now to start the vegetables and the potatoes.”

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Cordiale and Gladiator
• Area: 152ha
• Yield: Cordiale – 6.85t/ha, Gladiator – 7.8t/ha
• Quality: Protein 14.6 – 14.85%, Hg 420 – 485, Bushel weight 74 – 78.5kg/hl

• Crop: Spring barley
• Variety: Westminster
• Area: N/A
• Yield: 6.2t/ha