The combines are full steam ahead in Norfolk, where Robin Baines has started on the Pearl winter barley.

“We only started yesterday (22 July), and we’re off to a good start,” he said. The 40ha (100 acres) of Pearl cut so far had yielded 7.4t/ha (3t/acre), above average for the land near Norwich. Nitrogen was low at 1.4-1.5%, and progress was just a day or so behind last year.

Mr Baines contract farmed 2227ha (5500acres), and was working with contractors and neighbours to get the harvest in smoothly.

“The interesting thing is that the Cocktail and Tipple spring barley isn’t far behind – I think we’ll be cutting some within the next 7-10 days,” he said. “But the wheat has a long way to go yet.”

Crop: Winter barley

Variety: Pearl

Area: 40ha (100 acres)

Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)

Nitrogen: 1.4-1.5%