Finished at Battletown Farm
Mark McFerran has finished harvest at Battletown Farm, Newtonards, County Down, but says yields have been disappointing.
“We had all winter barley, and started combining on Monday, 25 July. By Thursday, 28 July we had 34ha (85 acres) cut and baled.
“We were really thankful because the weather was good at that stage and it averaged about 15.5% moisture, so our drying charges will be minimal.”
The rain arrived as soon as the field had been cleared, he said. “The weather has been very broken since then.
“My neighbour was combining yesterday but we had heavy rain last night, which will stop harvest for a couple of days.”
Mr McFerran’s Saffron averaged about 6.8t/ha (2.75t/acre). “We like to try and get 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), which we did last year.
“But establishment in the autumn wasn’t as good, and the conditions weren’t ideal when I rolled it, so I could see the tracks of the roller in the crop right up to harvest.
“I think that took a bit of yield off – and the harsh winter didn’t help either.”
Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Saffron
Area: 34ha (85 acres)
Yield: 6.8t/ha (2.75t/acre)
