Adrian Howell of Proctor, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire planned to combine Robigus and Brompton winter wheat this morning.

Mr Howell began harvesting his 700ha at 16% on 1 August  with Zebedee, followed by Alchemy, Oakley, Timber and Humber.

After 13 days of good combining conditions Mr Howell said: “It’s been the driest harvest for many years and we’ve missed the worst of the weather.”

Against his 9.5 t/ha five-year average he hoped to achieve 8.5 t/ha which although disappointing were quite bearable especially given recent higher prices, which were encouraging, he said.

They had been “disastrous.” 

He believed widespread root rotting on recently saturated silt-based land could be to blame for locally lower yields.

Mr Howell had also cut 160ha (400 acres) of ES Astrid, Castille and Lioness Oilseed rape Yielding 4 t/ha (1.6t/acre, 32cwt/acre) with Moisture between 6.5-9%. 

He ended saying: “ But We’re happy with progress”, he said,  “we’re further forward now than for many years. In terms of yields were behind but we’re encouraged with prices”.

·        Crop: Winter wheat

o       Area: 700ha (1750 acres)

o       Variety: Zebedee, Alchemy, Oakley, Timber and Humber

o       Moisture: 16%

·        Crop: Oilseed rape

o       Area: 160ha (400 acres)

o       Varieties: Astrid, Castille and Lioness oilseed

o       Yield: 4 t/ha (1.6t/acre, 32cwt/acre).

o       Moisture: 6.5-9% 

*Harvest Highlights 2007 is sponsored by RAGT