In a bid to beat the forecast of bad weather, Tim Carson planned to start combining Robigus wheat from 10:30 am onwards at Alton Barnes, Devizes, Wilts.

He said: “(neither) Tuesday, (nor) Wednesday, (nor) Thursday looks very clever.”

He was desperate to finish the last of his 400ha (1000 acres) of wheat before the rain arrived.

Average winter wheat yield on the farm reached 10t/ha. Solstice had been cut on the farm for Warburtons as were Zebedee and Claire, with Claire producing better quality.

Mr Carson hoped to cut 52ha of the 80 ha (200acres) remaining today.

He still had Robigus to cut despite inclement weather predictions and he remained optimistic with prices looking well and yields reaching up to 10t/ha.

Castille and Lioness oilseed rape were completed two weeks ago with 100ha (250 acres) in storage yielding on average 4t/ha (1.6 t/acre).

Mr Carson had about 48ha (120 acres) spring oats, which he sprayed off last weekend.  He said they looked quite good and would be ready to cut within 7-10 days.

·        Crop: Winter wheat

o       Area: 400ha (1000 acres)

o       Variety: Zebedee, Robigus, Claire, Solstice.

·        Crop: Oilseed rape

o       Area: 100ha (250 acres)

o       Yield: 4t/ha (1.6 t/acre).

o       Varieties: Castille and Lioness

*Harvest Highlights 2007 is sponsored by RAGT