Farmers in Perthshire are down to the final 5% of spring barley harvest, but still have about a quarter of their wheat and oats to cut.
“We’re making reasonable progress now, and spring barley quality has held up remarkably well,” said Robin Barron, general manager at East of Scotland Farmers.
Germination levels were still at 98%, with nitrogen averaging about 1.4%.
“There’s a little bit of skinning and pre-germination, but the maltsters are being pragmatic and have relaxed their standards a bit, so we’ve hardly lost anything.”
Specific weights in wheat had suffered, however, averaging about 70kg/hl, he said. “There may be some claims on some loads.”
Farmers were combining today (30 September) at about 20% moisture following a heavy dew, added Mr Barron.
“Some of the crops left are no more than ready, because it’s such a late season. But I’d be surprised if there’s much left to cut by the middle of next week.”
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