Robert Law has finished his winter barley and rape at Thrift Farm, Royston, Herts, and is now onto the winter oats.

So far he had cut 53ha (130 acres) of Gerald oats at just over 14% moisture, and was averaging 7-8t/ha (2.8-3.2t/acre). Mascani winter oats at his Nottinghamshire farm were looking promising at 55kg/hl and 7-7.5t/ha (2.8-3t/acre).

Saffron winter barley produced a pleasing 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) on sandy land, with Carat yielding an average of 8.3t/ha (3.4t/acre).

“The barley yields were exceptional,” said Mr Law. “But rape was disappointing, regardless of variety, field, and cropping history.”

The 89ha (220 acres) of Astrid and Castille averaged 2.5t/ha (1t/acre).

After the oats Mr Law had spring barley, peas and rye to cut before the winter wheat, which was just about ripe.

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Saffron
Area: 49ha (120 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Variety: Carat
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 8.3t/ha (3.4t/acre)

Crop: Winter oats
Variety: Mascani
Yield: 7-7.5t/ha (2.8-3t/acre)

Variety: Gerald
Area: 53ha (130 acres)
Yield: 7-8t/ha (2.8-3.2t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Astrid and Castille
Area: 89ha (220 acres)
Yield: 2.5t/ha (1t/acre)