Tim Whitehead expected to start cutting Pearl winter barley this Thursday (13 July) at Vine Farm in South Hertfordshire. He said the crop looked very good out in the fields, but since the forecast was fine it was best to leave it to dry naturally in the sun.

“The big issue is whether it makes malting so we will have to see about quality when it comes in.”

Mr Whitehead said the changeable weather had not affected the crops because of the good land they are on.

“It is perfect weather at the moment. The last weekend in the low 30s (degrees Celsius) didn’t do any favours but we’re very happy with things at the moment.”
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