Jim Macfarlane hoped to start combining oilseed rape at Edrington Mains Farm, Edintore, Berwick-upon-Tweed, today (13 August).

“But we had heavy rain and strong wind overnight, so won’t be getting into it.”

The 48ha (119 acres) of Catana and Excalibur was desiccated three weeks ago and tested at just below 11% moisture yesterday.

“It’s taken a long time to die off, and thankfully I’ve used pod stick on it which really seems to work.”

Cassata winter barley was disappointing at 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), although quality was good, said Mr Macfarlane. “I like to get 8.2t/ha (3.5t/acre).

“But we had a hard winter and five inches of rain over two days at the end of March, then nothing until the end of June, so the fields capped really badly.

“The spring barley was even worse – we harrowed half of it, which now looks okay, but the other half is very patchy.”

The 41ha (100 acres) of Publican was about two weeks away from ripening. “It is a bit late and is going to clash horribly with the wheat, which is a bit early.”

However, the 90ha (222 acres) of Viscount, Zebedee and Cassius winter wheat looked well, he added.

“We are on strong land so I’m not too worried. The light land burnt off very early around here.”

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Cassata
Area: 24ha (60 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)