Geoff Thomas has finished harvest at Pantycoch, Letterston, Haverfordwest, but some farmers are still combining wheat and beans.

“We can’t complain this year – I thought the dry spell was going to do untold damage, and it has knocked the winter barley yields, but the spring barley has more than compensated for it.”

Carat and Suzuka winter barley averaged less than 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) – whereas normally it would exceed that, he said. “The Suzuka did the best.”

Quench spring barley averaged 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre). “It was absolutely outstanding, although I’m a little bit concerned that a lot of the nitrogen might have gone into the ear.”

Oilseed rape was also better than expected, with Flash yielding just under 5t/ha (2t/acre). “We can’t quite beat the 2t/acre mark – so we’re drilling PR44 PO6 this year.”

Mr Thomas was drilling yesterday (15 September), at the same time as some neighbours were combining the last of the wheat and beans.

Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Suzuka and Carat
Yield: <7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Flash
Yield: <5t/ha (2t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Quench
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)