Harvest is on target at Meurig Raymond’s Trenewydd Fawr, Haverfordwest, Dyfed, at about 25% complete.

“It’s been going quite easily – it’s overcast and humid today (10 August) but we should get on after lunch.”

So far Mr Raymond had cut 90% of his winter barley, leaving just 18ha (45 acres) to finish off.

Yields were about 10% below average, at 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre). Retriever performed the best, at up to 10t/ha (4t/acre) in places, with Sequel almost matching that, Saffron at 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre) and Flagon at 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre).

However, yields varied according to soil type, and were not necessarily attributable to individual varieties, he added.

“Straw yields are down by 25% because it was so dry in May and June – but harvesting has been pretty easy at 14-16% moisture.”

Mr Raymond had also cut 60% of his Dimension, Flash and Cabernet oilseed rape, and was pleased with average yields of 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre), within a range of 3.7-4.9t/ha (1.5-2t/acre).

That left 53ha (130 acres) of Excel and Excalibur to cut, which was now ready in the swath.

Oakley second wheat yielded a reasonable 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), which was promising for first wheat yields.

About half of the 243ha (600 acres) of spring barley was now fit, and 263ha (650 acres) of winter wheat was ripening nicely.

“The straw is short, but I’m fairly hopeful for most of the wheat. The forecast seems more settled for the next fortnight, and we’re 25% through harvest – that’s where we want to be.”

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Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Oakley
Area: 24ha (60 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

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Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Retriever, Sequel, Saffron, Flagon
Area: 164ha (405 acres)
Yield: 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre)

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Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Dimension, Flash and Cabernet
Area: 80ha (200 acres)
Yield: 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre)

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