Yields of 100ha of Winner oilseed rape did better than anticipated for Robert Maylam in Ashford, Kent. Despite the crop being drilled very late last year, he was pleased with the average yields. Quality was also reasonable with low moisture, so he was thankful for not having any drying costs.

He was worried about the “staggering” price of gas oil as the crop prices were low.

Mr Maylam is looking to start Soissons wheat today, pending moisture tests, which he said was not looking too bad. He was growing it as a second wheat so was not expecting a huge yield.

He was thinking of possibly taking Soissons out of the rotation next year due to local mills shutting in Ramsgate and Pillsbury meaning he would lose the opportunity of selling early.