Finished near Alnwick
Carl Tuer is delighted to have finished harvest at Rock Farms, Alnwick, Northumberland, putting the combine away for the last time yesterday (15 September).
“We were cutting wheat at 6-8% moisture yesterday, which is unheard of. But overall we’ve probably averaged about 21%.”
Yields had been very variable, ranging from 8.2t/ha (3.3t/acre) in continuous wheat to 12.4t/ha (5t/acre).
“The lighter land definitely suffered with the dry spring, but the majority of the wheat has been 10t/ha (4t/acre) plus.”
Some of the later wheat was damaged by the high winds earlier this week, said Mr Tuer.
“But it was only just ready and we were cutting it at 21% moisture, so the grains weren’t rattling out – we were lucky.”
Concerto spring barley averaged just over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre). “It’s all gone for malting, bar three loads which we cut ridiculously wet late one night.”
Drilling was also progressing well, with 324ha (800 acres) of oilseed rape and 263ha (650 acres) of first wheats in the ground.
“That leaves 140ha (345 acres) of winter barley and 140ha (345 acres) of second wheats to get in, so we’re delighted really.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Yield: 10t/ha (4t/acre)
Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Concerto
Yield: >7.4t/ha (3t/acre)
Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Catana
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 5.7t/ha (2.3t/acre)
Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Pearl
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 7.9tha (3.2t/acre)
