Winter wheat and oilseed rape have ripened at the same time at Proctor Bros’ Lighthouse Farm, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire.

“We started cutting oilseed rape and wheat today (26 July),” said Adrian Howell. “That’s the first time ever that they’ve both come at once.”

The first 50ha (123 acres) of rapeseed had yielded 3.6t/ha (1.5t/acre), at 9% moisture. “We’re really pleased with that.”

The Grafton wheat was coming off at 14.5% moisture, but it was too early to tell how it was yielding. “I don’t think it will break any records.

Many farmers were combining oilseed rape in the area. “It is quite late.” But no-one was into wheat just yet. “This is exceptionally early – we don’t normally cut wheat until August.”

Marrowfat peas were also about to ripen, leaving about 48 hours before they, too, would be ready, he added.

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 50ha (123 acres)
Yield: 3.6t/ha (1.5t/acre)