Tim Piper is combining wheat today (16 August) at Owley Farm, Tenterden, Kent, having been rained off for four days.

“A friend who farms nearby has been combining all weekend at 14% moisture, but we haven’t turned a wheel.”

However, he was now cutting Cordiale at 16% moisture, which was yielding well for a second wheat at almost 10t/ha (4t/acre).

But it was Gallant which topped the list, yielding 11.9t/ha (4.8t/acre) over a weighbridge at 14.4% moisture.

Quality was excellent, too, at 13.3% protein, 407 Hagberg and 81.8kg/hl.

That left Robigus, Cordiale and Alchemy wheat to finish, as well as some linseed and winter beans. “The beans are variable, but the linseed and wheat should be alright.

“We haven’t had enough rain to do any damage – the straw is still nice and bright. It’s just been enough to stop us combining.”

Oilseed rape yields were the best Mr Piper had ever achieved, averaging 4.9t/ha (2t/acre) across 107ha (265 acres).

Epure came in the best, at 5.9t/ha (2.4t/acre) over 70ha (173 acres), with Alienor at 4.8-5.2t/ha (1.9-2.1t/acre) and Astrid at 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre).

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Gallant
Area: 15ha (37 acres)
Yield: 11.9t/ha (4.8t/acre)

Variety: Cordiale
Yield: 10t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Epure
Area: 70ha (173 acres)
Yield: 5.9t/ha (2.4t/acre)

Variety: Alienor
Yield: 4.8-5.2t/ha (1.9-2.1t/acre)

Variety: Astrid
Yield: 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre)