Harvest has gone relatively smoothly at Velcourt’s South West farms, although yields have been variable.

Richard Williamson, regional farms director, said the last farm finished harvest at the weekend, before this week’s rain.

“At one stage it was looking like it could be a record early harvest – and then it rained.

“On the chalk soils we had a generally good harvest, but any brash, sandy, gravel or poorly structured clay soil was not so good.”

Viscount, Alchemy, Zebedee, Scout, Robigus and Claire wheat averaged about 10t/ha (4t/acre), up to a peak of 12.5t/ha (5t/acre).

“Anything cut before the rain was exceptional quality, but after the rain Hagbergs had dropped to 60-100. That said, bushelweights were still fine.”

Spring barley yields ranged from 6.25t/ha to 9t/ha (2.5-3.6t/acre), averaging 7-7.5t/ha (2.8-3t/acre). Predominantly Quench, it all made malting quality.

Winter barley yields were good, at 8.75t/ha (3.5t/acre) for Cassata and Flagon malting varieties. “We were very pleased.”

But peas were disappointing, yielded below budget at 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre), with spring beans not quite reaching 4t/ha (1.6t/acre).

“If I’m honest, I was surprised at the beans – they looked worse than that.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Viscount, Alchemy, Zebedee, Scout, Robigus and Claire
Yield: 10t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Quench
Area: 3000ha (7410 acres)
Yield: 7-7.5t/ha (2.8-3t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Cassata and Flagon
Yield: 8.75t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Peas
Yield: 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre)

Crop: Spring beans
Yield: <4t/ha (1.6t/acre)