Meurig Raymond was lifting potatoes in Pembrokeshire today (28 August), and expected to be cutting spring barley later on.

“We haven’t rolled since last Friday – we’ve just had low cloud and no sun,” he said. “It’s just totally frustrating.”

The 20ha (50 acres) of Westminster cur so far had yielded over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) and the remaining 223ha (550 acres) was just coming fit.

A small 4ha (10 acre) patch of Oakley winter wheat cut a week ago also did well, at over 9.9t/ha (4t/acre).

The rest of the Oakley was starting to lodge, said Mr Raymond, but the 196ha (490 acres) of Alchemy, Robigus, and Gladiator was not quite fit yet and looked well.

Winter barley had done well, averaging 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre), but rape was a bit disappointing at 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre). 

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Westminster
Area: 20ha (50 acres)
Yield: >7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Oakley
Area: 4ha (10 acres)
Yield: >9.9t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Flagon, Suzuka, Carat and Retriever
Area: 113ha (279 acres)
Yield: 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Grace, Bravo, Excel and Excalibur
Area: 120ha (300 acres)
Yield: 4.3/ha (1.75t/acre)