Wheat yields are proving very disappointing at Charlie Edgeley’s Kensham Farm, Cadmore End, Berkshire.

“We’re quite happy with our progress, but yields are very disappointing.”

With mostly continuous wheat, the crops had suffered from terrible take-all this year, compounding problems of late establishment and a dry spring.

So far Mr Edgeley had cut 500ha (1250 acres) of wheat, leaving a further 800ha (2000 acres) to do.

Hereward had averaged 6.7t/ha (2.7t/acre), Solstice ranged from 6.9t/ha to 8.4t/ha (2.8-3.4t/acre), with January-drilled Cordiale and Soissons at 5.9t/ha (2.4t/acre) and 6.7t/ha (2.7t/acre), respectively.

Canadian spring wheat AC Barry averaged 3.3t/ha (1.35t/acre), but was excellent quality, at 16.1% protein, 385 Hagberg and 82kg/hl, and commanded a premium price of about £300/t.

Where Mr Edgeley could not get wheat sown in the autumn, he had drilled 36ha (90 acres) of Quench and 22ha (55 acres) of Tipple spring barley.

Both had performed well, averaging 8.6t.ha (3.5t/acre) and 6.9t/ha (2.8t/acre), respectively. “That was very pleasing.”

Another highlight was the new John Deere rotary combine, which sailed through 70ha (175 acres) in one day earlier in the week.

“We’ve managed to cut quite a lot at under 15% moisture, and nothing at over 18%, so that’s a good saving on last year, too.”

Crop: Spring wheat
Variety: AC Barry
Yield: 3.3t/ha (1.35t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Hereward, Solstice, Cordiale and Soissons
Area: 500ha (1250 acres)
Yield: 5.9-8.4t/ha (2.4-3.4t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 22ha (55 acres)
Yield: 6.9t/ha (2.8t/acre)

Variety: Quench
Area: 36ha (90 acres)
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)