Winter barley performed better than expected at Nick Harding’s Preston Farm, Tarrant Rushton, Dorset.

His 45ha (110 acres) of Flagon yielded over 8t/ha (3.2t/acre) – about average for the farm. “I’m fairly pleased with that in view of some of the marginal parts of the field.”

Although the sample contained high screenings, it looked nice after processing, he added.

Oilseed rape was still about a week away. “It looks alright. The wheat is holding up too, but I’m quite concerned about the spring barley.

“Spring oats seems to have coped with the dry weather better than the spring barley – and the linseed looks very good.”

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Flagon
Area: 45ha (110 acres)
Yield: 8t/ha (3.2t/acre)