Yorkshire contractor Chris Smith had just begun harvesting oilseed rape, which was coming off at a dry weight of 3.5t/ha. “The crop must be very dry from the amount of dust coming off the combine.”

He hoped rape quality would be very good because they were a week behind others in the area. “Many people here have cut all their crops but we’re a week behind because we’re at the top of the valley so the crops have not died off as fast.”

Mr Smith was pleased Carat winter barley had cut above average at 7.5t/ha. “It did much better than last year so the farmer has a smile on his face.”

Winter wheat was still looking green in the area. “It’s a good sign, but you never really know until the combine gets in.”

• Crop/ Variety: Oilseed rape
• Area: 3ha of 100ha
• Yield: 3.5t/ha

• Crop/ Variety: Carat winter barley
• Area: N/A
• Yield: 7.5t/ha