Alan Cook is combining oilseed rape today (15 July) at Windwhistle Farms, Romsey, Hampshire, and is pleased with yields so far.

“It’s been running very well – yields are much higher than average.” So far he had cut 160ha (400 acres) of Grandia, Astrid and Cabernet, with Grandia yielding 4.35t/ha (1.8t/acre) at 9.2% moisture.

Astrid reached 4.7t/ha (1.9t/ac) but Cabernet was somewhat lighter.

Oilseed rape harvest was much earlier than normal, having started on 5 July, while winter barley was later than usual, he said.

“We drilled the Grandia on 12 August, and would normally expect to start combining on 18-20 July.

“We would reckon to be into the winter barley on 14-15 July but it’s still four or five days away.”

Both the barley and wheat looked well, said Mr Cook. “The wheat looks better than it deserves to; the flag leaf is a bit small but the grain seems to be filling okay.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Grandia
Yield: 4.35t/ha (1.8t/acre)

Variety: Astrid
Yield: 4.7t/ha (1.9t/acre)