“It is overcast but dry today (August 14). We haven’t had any rain at all – it is still like a desert ground,” said Tony Higgins at Middlegate Farm, Somerset.

He was pleased with average wheat yields across the farm of 8.4t/ha (3.35t/ac), considering the dry weather in July.

Two thirds of 800ha (2000ac) of crops on the farm were winter wheat, and all had gone for feed. Bushel weights were good with not too many pinched grains.

Mr Higgins was “quite impressed” with new variety Alchemy yielding 9.68t/ha (3.87t/ac) on poorer land. Istabraq “never did that well” yielding 7.7t/ha (3.08t/ac), Deben came in at 9.2-9.9t/ha (3.69-3.96t/ac), and Robigus at 7.83-8.4t/ha (3.13-3.37t/ac). He said first wheat Claire had been the best average yield at 9.25-9.6t/ha (3.7-3.82t/ac).

“On our land we’re reasonably pleased with this and we’ve had no drying charges this year.”

Oilseed rape yielded an average 3.75-4.25t/ha (1.5-1.66t/ac). “It was mostly Castille because it does quite well on our land.”

Spring beans were yielding 3.75t/ha (1.5t/ac). “It’s ideal weather to cut beans at the moment, but we expect to finish everything by tomorrow evening. Things have gone very well and we can go on our holidays now!”

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Alchemy, Istabraq, Deben, Robigus, Claire
• Area: 800ha
• Yield: Alchemy 9.68t/ha, Istabraq 7.7t/ha, Deben 9.2-9.9t/ha,
Robigus 7.83-8.4t/ha, Claire 9.25-9.6t/ha

• Crop: Oilseed rape
• Variety: Castille
• Area: N/A
• Yield: 3.75-4.25t/ha