Andrew Kerr was direct drilling oilseed rape today (4 September) at Wyldingtree Farm, North Weald, Essex, ahead of the forecast heavy rain tomorrow.

He had finished the winter wheat, and yields had been variable, with second wheats particularly badly hit.  Yields ranged from 6.3-10t/ha (2.5-4t/acre).

Solstice averaged 10t/ha (4t/acre), with the Cordiale and Humber not quite making 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre).

“The quality seems to be fairly good, apart from possibly the last bit we cut.”

Oilseed rape was disappointing at 2.7t/ha (1.1t/acre), and Mr Kerr was opting for hybrid varieties this year due to the late season.

He still had some Memphis spring beans to cut for seed, and was very pleased with his first year using a contractor for combining. “There have been some very late nights but he’s done us well.”

With 30-40% of wheat still to cut in Essex, Mr Kerr was pleased he’d invested in his drying facilities in recent years. “It’s paid off big-time this year.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Solstice, Cordiale and Humber
Area: 182ha (450 acres)
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Area: 17ha (42 acres)
Variety: Pearl
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 26ha (65 acres)
Varieties: Morcand and Hearty
Yield: 2.7t/ha (1.1t/acre)