James Francis has finished combining oilseed rape at Manor Farm, Hemington, Somerset, and is well into winter wheat.

Oilseed rape yields were better than last year, with Eiffel yielding 4.7t/ha (1.9t/acre) over a weighbridge at 10-11.5% moisture, and Flash averaging 4.1t/ha (1.65t/acre). 

Solstice and Gallant wheat yields were mixed, averaging 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), but samples were nice and bold at 79kg/hl, he said.

Oakley yielded better at 10.1t/ha (4.1t/acre).

“It’s not disastrous – normally we’d average 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre) – and the Alchemy and Diego on heavier ground look well. They’re still about a week away.”

Mr Francis now had 40ha (100 acres) of wheat left to cut, as well as 34ha (85 acres) of Quench spring barley.

“It looks better than expected – it is not very thick but has good big berries.”

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Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Solstice and Gallant
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

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Variety: Oakley
Yield: 10.1t/ha (4.1t/acre)

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Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Eiffel
Yield: 4.7t/ha (1.9t/acre)

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Variety: Flash
Yield: 4.1t/ha (1.65t/acre)

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