Nick Harding finished harvest on Wednesday (17 September) at Preston Farm, Dorset, but there was still wheat to cut in the area.

The highlight of the year was Tipple spring barley, which averaged 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre) and all went for malting, he said.

Winter barley had also been good at well over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) and also all made malting.

Mr Harding was pleased with his wheat yields, but quality was appalling, having sprouted and lost its Hagberg.

The Oakley and Alchemy averaged just under 10t/ha (4t/acre), and bushelweights had held up at 78kg/hl, so at least they would make the feed grade, he added.

Oilseed rape had been slightly disappointing at just under 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre), but Mr Harding had managed to drill all of next year’s seed.

“The end is nigh – some of the big estates have more to do, but harvest is drawing to a close.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Oakley and Alchemy
Area: 162ha (400 acres)
Yield: <10t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 120ha (300 acres)
Yield: 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Flagon
Area: 45ha (111 acres)
Yield: 7.5t/ha (3t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Komando
Area: 50ha (124 acres)
Yield: <3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre)