Oilseed rape has been a mixed bag at Peter Wombwell’s Rectory Farm, Ickleton, Essex, ranging from 2.7t/ha to 4.5t/ha (1.1-1.8t/acre).

“The rape we put in on the heavy land with a subsoiler drill was very good, on the light land it was not so good, and on the heavy land, late drilled with a Claydon drill, it was horrible.”

The 24ha (60 acres) of Excalibur on the decent heavy land yielded 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre), said Mr Wombwell. “We were very pleased with that.”

On the 43ha (107 acres) of light land, Lioness and Epure averaged 3.2t/ha (1.3t/acre), and on the late, heavy land, Excalibur and Castille disappointed at 2.7-3t/ha (1.1-1.2t/acre).

After finishing the last 18ha (45 acres) of rape today (21 July), Mr Wombwell expected to make a start on the 49ha (120 acres) of Prophet peas.

“The colour and quality is going because of the weather so we need to get them in. And we shall be into the wheat, if the weather holds, in about 10 days.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Excalibur
Area: 24ha (60 acres)
Yield: 4.5t/ha (1.8t/acre0

Varieties: Excalibur and Castille
Area: 22ha (55 acres)
Yield: 2.7-3t/ha (1.1-1.2t/acre)

Varieties: Lioness and Epure
Area: 43ha (107 acres)
Yield: 3.2t/ha (1.3t/acre)