Yields in the middle of the country are proving extremely variable, depending on soil type, according to agronomist Nick Brown.

Winter barley yields were generally down on last year, and ranged from 4.9-9.9t/ha (2-4t/acre). “I think anyone who got more than 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) will be pleased.”

Oilseed rape was similarly variable, although Cabernet looked to have suffered the most, he said.

“A lot of the Cabernet has only got four to five pods on the main raceme – the rest are blind.”

With the side branches left to compensate, crops were very green and had been desiccated seven to 10 days later than other rapeseed varieties.

“There is an awful lot that hasn’t been cut yet, but I am concerned that these crops are not going to yield – they are too easy to walk through.

“It is going to depend on individual fields, but I have to say 60-70% of the Cabernet looks poor and I’m advising most people not to grow it again.”

Early winter wheat yields ranged from very poor and pinched on light soil to very pleasing and bold on stronger land, with spring beans showing a similar pattern.

“More so than most years, it is going to be about soil type and moisture availability.”

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