Poor wheat yields near Tuddenham
Wheat yields are massively down at Pound Farm, Tuddenham, Norfolk, where Simon Dann finished harvest on Saturday (3 September).
“I share a combine with two neighbours and we probably averaged 6.9t/ha (2.8t/acre), which is considerably below the five-year average, but as good as we could have expected, given the dry spring.
“Ironically, the best piece of wheat was on light land, at 10t/ha (4t/acre). But quite a few second wheats did just 6t/ha (2.4t/acre).”
Gallant, on good land, averaged about 7.9t/ha (3.2t/acre), with Edgar seed for Limagrain doing over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre).
Yields for the Oakley, Invicta and Grafton simply depended on soil type, said Mr Dann.
Sesame, Cabernet and Fusion oilseed rape yields were similarly variable, ranging from 2.3t/ha (0.95t/acre) to 4t/ha (1.6t/acre).
“Concerto spring barley, grown for seed, was disappointing, at 4t/ha (1.6t/acre) – there was probably more regrowth than first growth.”
But Fiji forage peas for seed were very pleasing, at 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre).
“Winter beans did just 1.2t/ha (0.5t/acre), with spring beans at 4.2t/ha (1.7t/acre). And the 40ha (100 acres) of Italian hybrid grass seed probably had its best year ever.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Oakley, Invicta, Grafton, Gallant and Edgar
Yield: 6.9t/ha (2.8t/acre)
Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Sesame, Cabernet and Fusion
Yield: 2.3-4t/ha (0.95-1.6t/acre)
Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Concerto
Yield: 4t/ha (1.6t/acre)
Crop: Peas
Variety: Fiji
Yield: 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre)
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