Oliver Walston finished combing wheat at Thriplow Farm, Cambridge, yesterday (1 August), and now had two days of winter beans to finish off.

“It was the second biggest harvest we’ve ever had,” he said. Yields averaged 10.4t/ha (4.2t/acre) over a weighbridge – slightly down on 1999 yields of 10.7t/ha (4.3t/acre).

Oakley yielded the best, at 12t/ha (4.9t/acre), with second wheat Einstein yielding 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre). It had a good Hagberg of 381, but low protein at 10.9%.

“Only 150t out of a total of 4400t did not have to be dried – everything else went through the drier,” said Mr Walston.

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Glasgow
Area: 143ha (353 acres)
Yield: 10.9t/ha (4.4t/acre)

Variety: Oakley
Area: 33ha (82 acres)
Yield: 12t/ha (4.9t/acre)

Variety: Robigus
Area: 105ha (260 acres)
Yield: 10.6t/ha (4.3t/acre)

Variety: Einstein
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre)

Variety: Humber
Area: 15ha (37 acres)
Yield: 11.6t/ha (4.7t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Excel and Castille
Area: 105ha (260 acres)
Yield: 3.4t/ha (1.4t/acre)