Robert Maylam started combining at Bilting Grange, Ashford, Kent, on Tuesday (20 July), and is disappointed with his oilseed rape yields.

“We haven’t put it over a weighbridge yet, but I’m guessing it was just a shade over 2.5t/ha (1t/acre), which is pretty poor.”

The 59ha (145 acres) of Cabernet was drilled early, on 12 August last year, and came through the winter very well, said Mr Maylam.

“It looked like it would yield well, but it’s just been too dry. It came in at 7% moisture.”

He now had another 121ha (300 acres) to cut, but having been frost bitten in May it was a lot later ripening.

“We desiccated it on Monday, so that’s going to delay our harvest by 10-14 days. Then we’ll be into the wheat, which is looking pretty stressed.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Cabernet
Area: 59ha (145 acres)
Yield: 2.5t/ha (1t/acre)