Combining at Bushy Down Farm, Hampshire is becoming frustrating with passing showers disrupting progress according to farmer Stephan Horn.

The recent intense heat has meant that oilseed rape has been low in moisture with readings of 6-8%. Readings were getting as low as 4% so combining was only done at night to help conquer this.

Rape was overall disappointing for the farm yielding 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre) however this is a respectable average for the season. Expert did better than expected due to late flowering.

Bushy Down Farm also harvested 28.3ha (70 acres) of marrowfat peas which performed well at 2t/acre and Mr Horn is expecting a good price for these thanks to the good quality.

The readiness of spring barley varies on the farm due to its position in the rotation and soil type and condition. So far Optic is yielding 6.1-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre) and with bushel weights of 69-70.

Nitrogen levels vary. Crops that are at the early end of harvest are achieving nitrogen levels of 1.7-1.75 which is slightly higher than last year. Mr Horn is hoping that as harvest progresses the nitrogen levels will start to fall.

Screenings are coming back extraordinarily low at 2%.

Mr Horn said he was optimistic about a future in the industry and is urging people to keep it up.

• Crop: Oilseed rape
• Variety: Castille
• Area: 90 acres
• Yield: 3.7t/ha
• Quality: Moisture 6-8%

• Crop: Oilseed rape
• Variety: Hybrid Excalibur
• Area: 90 acres
• Yield: 3.7t/acre
• Quality: Moisture 6-8%

• Crop: Oilseed rape
• Variety: Expert
• Area: 90 acres
• Yield: 3.7t/acre
• Quality: Moisture 6-8%

• Crop: Marrowfat peas
• Area: 70 acres
• Yield: 2t/acre

• Crop: Spring barley
• Variety: Optic
• Yield: 2.5-3t/acre
• Quality: Nitrogen 1.7-1.75 Screenings 2%