Jim Macfarlane in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Scotland, is worried about 42ha of winter wheat as badgers are “trampling down hectares on virtually every field”. But he said the Robigus and Consort look equally as promising, and should be ripe in about a week.

Oilseed rape was “mediocre”, he said, with yields below average. This is fairly general for the area, which he cannot explain due to having had “plenty of sun during pod-fill time”.

He said neither Victory or hybrid types did particularly well, both yielding around 3.25t/ha. Quality was alright but the bushel weight was a little low.

Mr Macfarlane said spring wheat also did not yield well with 30ha of Cocktail and 20ha of Golden Promise coming in at 6t/ha, which was down on last year. He said this could be due to the cold, wet spring.

Screenings were good and nitrogen levels were respectable, he said. Quality was better than last year, when he had sprouting problems.

• Crop/Variety: Oilseed rape – Victory, Hybrid


• Area: 43ha


• Yield: 3.25t/ha


• Quality: N/A

• Crop/Variety: Spring barley – Cocktail and Golden Promise


• Area: 50ha


• Yield: 6t/ha


• Quality: good screenings, respectable nitrogen