Harvest started at Southesk on 24 July, a week earlier than usual and, at time of writing we are 70% cut.

Unsurprisingly, and having reported this in previous articles, 43 consecutive dry spring days were always going to dictate the outcome of this year’s harvest, with our heavy land holding its own in contrast to the light land’s more sobering results. 

See also: ‘Driest’, ‘earliest’, ‘worst’ – mixed harvest across country

About the author

Neil MacLeod

Neil MacLeod manages 1,600ha of mixed soils on the east coast of Angus, Scotland. The majority of the land is in arable production with diversified enterprises consisting of soft fruit, sitka spruce, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy.

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I do believe that plenty of sunshine during grain fill has helped make up for the earlier stresses the crops endured.

But grain size and quality is variable. So far, winter barley has averaged 7.3t/ha, winter oats 5.8t/ha, oilseed rape 4.3t/ha, and winter rye 8.8t/ha.

Our winter wheats harvested so far range from 8.1t/ha to 10.5t/ha.

Later wheats, spring barley and beans are still to cut, and I am sure the rest of harvest will continue to deliver equal amounts of highs and lows. 

Our only saving grace now is that 95% of our cereal crops are forward sold at decent prices compared to the current market. 

Our policy is always to lock in a significant amount prior to harvest.

But this year I lost my nerve.

During the summer, the downward slide commenced and I basically sold every grain yet to be harvested.

Our new 4,000t grain store is finally finished.

We took it right to the wire, with the overhead conveyor belt only installed on the day we started wheat harvest.

Having thought we had all costs accounted for, I have found it amazing how many little things were overlooked. Little things which cumulatively add up to quite a lot of money.

We have helped reduce costs by undertaking all demolition of the existing sheds ourselves and installing the conveyors required.

However, I am pretty confident, we are going to end up slightly over budget, but with a fantastic new storage facility to show for it.

As exciting as the new build has been, I am glad that I am not a full-time project manager.

On top of my day job, I have found it extremely stressful at times.