After a soggy start, harvest proved to be better than expected at Duncan Whiteman’s Arlescott Farm, Telford, Shropshire.

“We finished the wheat last Thursday (August 30) which is a good 10 days earlier than normal.” About 90% of the wheat had come in dry, which was a relief, he added.

Solstice averaged 9.9t/ha (4t/acre), while Einstein as a second wheat made a pleasing 9.3t/ha (3.75t/acre) – 7% more than a normal year. “The Robigus was ok but it went down in June,” said Mr Whiteman. It ranged from less than 9.9t/ha (4t/acre) to almost 12.4t/ha (5t/acre).

Green straw meant Mr Whiteman had to leave it for two weeks before baling, although yields were reasonable at over 4.9t/ha (2t/acre).

Camion barley also did well at about 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).

That left 12ha (30 acres) of linseed to cut. “We’re just about to spray it off so it will be about two weeks,” said Mr Whiteman. “I expect it will make over 2.5t/ha (1t/acre).

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Robigus, Einstein and Solstice
Yield: 9.3-12.4t/ha (3.75-5t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Camion
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)