Mike Clay from Hampshire has seen some of the first wheat to be harvested around the south coast, an area traditionally known for its early harvest date.

He’s estimated that around 10% of total wheat has been harvested to date. 

Malacca harvests have been disappointing with low specific weights and an average of 12.5 % protein.

“We’ve had some really good samples of Solstice with good yields.”

Specific weights were at 80 kg/hl while Hagberg falling number was around 300.

Mr Clay has also had good reports of Claire, yielding 9.88 t/ha (4 t/acre) with good quality.

“Hagberg has been no problem whatsoever and unless this rain stays for a while, it shouldn’t really have any effect on quality.”

Mr Clay said there haven’t been any serious disease or pest problems which have come to his attention, but he’s looking out for signs of orange blossom midge.

“I haven’t really seen any problems at all yet, but you have to remember these are still early days.”

Mr Clay’s said his total overview of the wheat harvest so far was that he hadn‘t seen anything consistently stunning”.