Winter barley proved disappointing at Tim Morris’s Coneygar Farm, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

“It was the first time we’ve grown it for about 15 years, and it confirmed my previous belief that it wasn’t worth growing,” he said.

The 29ha (72 acres) of Cassata yielded between 6.2t/ha and 7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre), and wheat admixture meant it had to go through the drier.

“The oilseed rape isn’t quite ready, so we’ve had a five-day break, which is most unwelcome because all the other crops are going to come at the same time.

“It’s very strange – the drought has brought the wheat and spring barley forward but it hasn’t brought the rape forward at all.”

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Cassata
Area: 29ha (72 acres)
Yield: 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre)