Arnold Hitchcock on Essex/Herts border said progress is “depressing” due to rain. He said 280ha of 1200ha has been cut, with very variable yields.

Crops did fairly well on heavy land, he said, with first wheats at 10.6t/ha, and second wheats at 9.4t/ha. But lighter land did not benefit from the rain in June, so yields varied from 6.25 – 8.75t/ha on neighbouring fields, he said.

He said Solstice, Richmond and Gladiator had all done consistently well, and Cordiale did well as a second wheat. Robigus was disappointing at 9t/ha despite having looked well. Bushel weights were low, with Access struggling to make 72kg/hl.

Harvest is ahead of schedule, with the aim to finish by August 31, although rain is currently holding them back.

Mr Hitchcock said the straw has been tough this year so has been harder to chop. Thrashing has been a problem in the area, but he does not know why as the crop is fit.

He said rain well affect quality, and is concerned for bushel weights. He said Hagbergs have held up but expects there to be a dramatic drop as the crop is fit to cut.

“As the prices aren’t special, we really need the quality to be good.”

• Crop/Variety: Winter wheat – Richmond, Gladiator, Cordiale, Access, Robigus


• Area: 920ha of 1200ha


• Yield:


• Heavy land: First wheats 10.6t/ha, Second wheats 9.4t/ha


• Light land: 6.25 – 8.75t/ha


• Robigus – 9t/ha


• Quality: Bushel weight low, Access 72kg/hl