Richard Kane is cutting spring barley today (17 September) at Broglasgow House, Myroe, Londonderry.

“We’re about 80% through harvest – and most people have got about 10% left in the area.”

The Westminster spring barley was yielding about 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre), but some on neighbouring land would not be fit until next week, having been drilled so late, said Mr Kane.

Tybalt spring wheat had yielded well, at 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), leaving about 49ha (120 acres) of spring wheat and barley to cut.

“Most of it’s still standing, and ground conditions are fine, now we’ve had a great spell of good weather.”

Oakley winter wheat was patchy, and had yielded a disappointing 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre), but Retriever winter barley performed well, averaging 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).

Excalibur oilseed rape proved disastrous though, at about 2.5t/ha (1t/acre).

Harvest was about three weeks behind, but Mr Kane had drilled 40ha (100 acres) of oilseed rape, and expected to finish combining next week.

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Westminster
Yield: 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Oakley
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Spring wheat
Variety: Tybalt
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Retriever
Area: 24ha (60 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Excalibur
Yield: 2.5t/ha (1t/acre)