Richard Monk made a start on his oats at AF Monk Ltd, Stockbridge, Hants, yesterday (2 August), after finishing off the winter barley.

“The oats are all standing, and although they are starting to look a bit weathered they should all make seed quality,” he said.

With 137ha (338 acres) of Mascani, Gerald, Dalguise and Tardis oats to cut, early yield indications were promising.

The 97ha (240 acres) of Suzuka, Flagon, Maris Otter and Cassata winter barley had also yielded well, at 8t/ha (3.2t/acre); 7.3t/ha (3t/acre); 6.8t/ha (2.8t/acre); and 8.25t/ha (3.3t/acre), respectively.

However, the Prophet and Mascara peas were disappointing, yielding just 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre). “At least they’re in the barn and a nice clean sample.”

Oilseed rape yields were above average, and far better than expected, said Mr Monk. “It was a pleasant surprise.”

The 10ha (25 acres) of Cabernet yielded 5.1t/ha (2.1t/acre) for seed, although a commercial crop on 38ha (94 acres) produced 4.25t/ha (1.7t/acre).

Expert yielded 4.5-4.8t/ha (1.8-1.9t/acre), and 20ha (50 acres) of Vision averaged 5t/ha (2t/acre)

Mr Monk’s spring barley was now almost ready. “We need to be getting onto that as soon as we can.

“We’re making half decent progress, but are using the drier a lot. It is frustrating to say the least.”

Crop: Winter barley
Area: 97ha (240 acres)
Variety: Suzuka
Yield: 8t/ha (3.3t/acre)

Variety: Flagon
Yield: 7.3t/ha (3t/acre)

Variety: Maris Otter
Yield: 6.8t/ha (2.8t/acre)

Variety: Cassata
Yield: 8.25t/ha (3.3t/acre)

Crop: Peas
Varieties: Prophet and Mascara
Area: 79ha (195 acres)
Yield: 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Expert
Area: seed – 10ha (25 acres); commercial – 16ha (40 acres)
Yield: seed – 4.8t/ha (1.9t/acre); commercial – 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre)

Variety: Vision
Area: 10ha (25 acres)
Yield: 5t/ha (2t/acre)

Variety: Cabernet
Area: seed – 10ha (25 acres); commercial – 38ha (94 acres)
Yield: seed – 5.1t/ha (2.1t/acre); commercial – 4.25t/ha (1.7t/acre)