Barometer farmer Chris Moore has been cutting Carat winter barley at Fleet Farm, West Butterwick, Lincs, over the past week, and is pleased with the yields so far.

By Tuesday (22 July) he had harvested 22ha (55 acres) of Carat, averaging almost 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre), well above last year’s yield. “I had to dry it as it was about 16.5% moisture, and I’ve sold 150t at less than £120/t,” he said. “The most depressing thing is how far the price has collapsed.”

He now had 80ha (200 acres) to finish, after which he would be into early-drilled Cordiale winter wheat. “The Cordiale is turning unbelievably fast, so we’ll be cutting wheat in two weeks’ time,” he said. “We’ve got a new combine this year and it’s nice to be out.”

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Carat
Area: 22ha (55 acres)
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Cordiale
Area: 121ha (300 acres)