It was clouding up again for Roger Middleditch in South Norfolk after 9mm of rain last night. But things were going better than he had thought as Pearl winter barley yielded 7.5t/ha.

The 1.65% nitrogen levels and acceptable screenings meant he could sell the crop straight off the dresser for malting.

Despite having cut back on winter barley to grow more spring barley, he added: “This winter barley could be crop of the year!”

He was pleased the winter barley was better than last year because it looked thin from the drought earlier this year.

Mr Middleditch suggested the winter wheat would have reasonable potential because it was still standing, unlike this time last year.

• Crop/ Variety: Pearl winter barley


• Area: N/A


• Yield: 7.5t/ha


• Quality: 1.65% nitrogen, acceptable screenings