Rain prevented combining today for Duncan Whiteman of Arlescott Farm, Telford, Shrops, although he was also waiting for 100ha (250 acres) of Robigus, Einstein and Solstice winter wheat to ripen.

He said the wheat had good colour and looked promising despite some lodging in Robigus and brackling in Einstein. 

Already finished were 36ha (90acres) of Castille oilseed rape, cut between 11-12% moisture and yielding 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre) and 36ha (90 acres) of Camion winter barley finished last Saturday [4 August] yielding 7.5t/ha (3t/acre) at 12% moisture content.

He was pleased with progress considering weather conditions in the West Midlands. “I’ve never known it this bad underfoot.”

Despite the conditions he thought yields would be slightly up from last year, but said the weather had been “crazy.”

• Crop: Oilseed rape
o Variety: Castille
o Area: 36ha
o Moisture: cut 11-12%
o Yield: 3.7t/ha

• Crop: Winter barley
o Variety: Camion
o 36ha
o Moisture cut: 12%
o Yield: 7.5t/ha