David Fountain has made a start on his Solstice wheat on Monday with mixed fortunes on his 340 ha (850 acre) farm near Peterborough, Cambs.

He didn’t know the yields off hand but said it was at 15% moisture.

“The yield, protein content and specific weight were good but unfortunately the hagberg falling number was struggling a little bit.” 

About 12 ha (30 acres) were harvested but had to stop due to showers and with the unsettled forecast he doesn’t think he will get going again until next week.

“The rain has come in bits and bobs but luckily we’ve had no thunderstorms.

“This time last year we would have been going but last year was exceptional.”

Mr Fountain has also finished harvesting 35 ha (80 acres) of Nitouch peas at 5 t/ha (2 t/acre) with 15% moisture, which he says was expected.

“I hope the prices are good enough to justify growing peas again post-MTR.”