PICT WINTER barley is repeating its sound performance of 2004 on a former Farmers Weekly barometer farm at West Morriston, Earlston, Berwickshire where combining began yesterday.

“It’s averaging 8.8t/ha, which is much the same as last year which was a good one for winter barley here,” said manager Les Anderson.

“It’s coming in at 15% moisture with a specific weight of 68kg/hl which is good.”

Most farms had started on winter barley in the area, he added.

“But we haven’t even sprayed our rape off, and the wheat is still green which is a real bonus as we’ve had lots of sunshine recently. So I’m optimistic so long as it all stands up.”