Ian Branstone had 14ha (35 acres) of wheat left to cut at Bourton Hill Farm, Bourton on the Water, Glos, but his combine was broken down today (18 September).

About half the wheat, cut early on, had yielded very well at 8.6-10t/ha (3.5-4t/acre), with a good sample, he said.

“But all the grain has sprouted now – we’ve lost some bumper yields of wheat.”

The oats had done well at 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), despite going very flat. “We had awful trouble combining it.”

Spring barley had also done well at 7.2t/ha (2.9t/acre).

Mr Branstone had managed to direct drill some rape after spring barley, which was looking good. “But the stuff after the wheat has been decimated by slugs.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Yield: 8.6-10t/ha (3.5-4t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Yield: 7.2t/ha (2.9t/acre)

Crop: Winter oats
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Castille
Area: 80ha (200 acres)
Yield: 2.5t/ha (1t/acre)