Harvest is progressing well at Meurig Raymond’s Trenewydd Fawr, Haverfordwest, Dyfed, despite being rained off this morning (28 July).

So far he had cut about 50% of the winter barley, and a third of the oilseed rape. “The oilseed rape was extremely pleasing.”

Cabernet had come off at about 4.4t/ha (1.8t/acre), with Dimension doing over 5t/ha (2t/acre). “I think we’re averaging 4.7t/ha (1.9t/acre) so far.

“I haven’t had it tested but I’m hearing that there are some pretty high oil contents this year as well.”

Winter barley, however, was a real mixed bag, ranging from 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre) to over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) in the same field, according to soil type and depth.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such variation within yields. And straw yields are down, too, which is disappointing. We’re even baling the rape straw, as it’s worth £40/t.”

There was little to choose between the Volume and Retriever, said Mr Raymond. “This year it’s all about soil type.”

Overall, the barley was probably averaging 6.8t/ha (2.75t/acre) – about 10% below normal. “The quality is alright – bushelweights are good.”

Mr Raymond hoped to back into the remaining 90ha (220 acres) of swathed oilseed rape and 57ha (140 acres) of winter barley this afternoon.

“In a week’s time we’ll have the spring barley ready.” The 348ha (860 acres) of Concerto was short, with the early drilled crop suffering worse in the drought than later drilled fields.

“As long as the grain bulks out I’ll be happy.”

Wheat yields could be 10% below average, but it wouldn’t be ready to cut for another fortnight, he added.

“It’s staying green longer than I’d expected, so hopefully we will have some decent bushelweights.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Cabernet & Dimension
Area: 49ha (120 acres)
Yield: 4.4t & 5t/ha (1.8 & 2t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Volume & Retriever
Area: 53ha (130 acres)
Yield: 6.8t/ha (2.75t/acre)