Andrew Craig was pleased to be back on combining today (August 22), after almost a week off. “The wheat is at 19% moisture but the straw is so green it’s unbelievable,” he said.

Before the weather broke Mr Craig had combined 101ha (250 acres) of Claire, Robigus and Ambrosia winter wheat at Westwood Farm, near Telford, Shropshire.

“The yields aren’t anything to shout about, at just over 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre) for the first wheats and 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) on the second.”

The 121ha (300 acres) of Castille and Lioness oilseed rape came in at a pleasing 4t/ha (1.6t/acre), but the Carat winter barley disappointed at just over 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre).

Mr Craig now has 243ha (600 acres) of winter wheat left to cut. “If we have a good week we’ll break the back of it.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Area: 101ha (250 acres)
Varieties: Claire, Robigus and Ambrosia
Yield: 7.4-8.6t/ha (3-3.5t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 121ha (300 acres)
Varieties: Castille and Lioness
Yield: 4t/ha (1.6t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Area: 32ha (80 acres)
Variety: Carat
Yield: 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre)