Richard Payne has started his oilseed rape at Heathfield Manor Farm, Taunton, Somerset, and is averaging 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre).

The 8ha (20 acres) of Splendor was coming in at 8-9% moisture, and was much earlier than the Castille and Catana, he said. The 28ha (70 acres) of Saffron winter barley was nearly ready to cut, after being dessicated to even it up.

“It doesn’t look a bad crop,” said Mr Payne. “The wheat doesn’t look very good – I’m a bit worried about that.” The 130ha (320 acres) of Alchemy, Robigus and Deben were still some way off, with the season running behind normal, he added. The trial plot of Oakley was not looking well, being covered in Septoria. “I’m not convinced that we’ll be able to grow it in the south-west,” he said.

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 8ha (20 acres)
Variety: Splendor
Yield: 3.7t//ha (1.5t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Area: 28ha (70 acres)
Variety: Saffron

Crop: Winter wheat
Area: 130ha (320 acres)
Varieties: Alchemy, Robigus, Deben and Oakley