Giles Porter has just started combining spring oats at Penn Croft Farms, Farnham, Surrey, and is looking forwarding to a favourable week’s weather ahead.

“So far we’re really pleased – the yields are above average and the straw’s coming out nice and thick behind the combine,” he said.

With 32ha off the field, yields were still to be confirmed, although Mr Porter had high hopes, with moisture levels around 13% and bushel weight estimated over 50kg/hl once cleaned. 

Over the past few weeks, he had also cut 160ha of oilseed rape, with variable results. The best crop was yielded 4.3t/ha, while the worst produced just 2.47t/ha.

“With a very wet winter and spring, the roots were constantly under water,” he said. “With heavy soil in some places it’s proved difficult, but overall we’re very pleased.”

The 40ha of Propino spring barley cut so far had also performed well, yielding 7.1t/ha and coming off the field at around 15% moisture. 

Although Mr Porter still had plenty to combine, both at home and on his neighbour’s farm, he was pleased with the bright start to harvest.

“We haven’t really needed to use the drier at all,” he said. “It’s like a normal summer and everything’s looking promising.”

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Propino
Area: 40ha
Yield: 7.1t/ha

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 160ha
Yield: 4.3t/ha