Spring barley and oilseed rape have done well at Chris Cockayne’s farm in Cropwell Butler, Notts, but rain is starting to affect the remaining crops.

“We had a little bit of oilseed rape for NIAB trials and I think it came in fairly well,” he said. Although the 4ha (10 acres) of Castille went straight off to be dried from 9% moisture, he reckoned the yield was good.

Mr Cockayne had also cut about 20ha (50 acres) of Tipple spring barley a little early before the rain arrived. “It’s too early to tell the yield but it looks fairly good, as did the quality.”

However, with 53ha (130 acres) left to cut, and 150ha (370 acres) of Einstein and Humber winter wheat, the humid wet weather was not helping. “The crops are beginning to lose their brightness and are looking a bit dark,” he said.

Crop: Oilseed rape
Variety: Castille
Area: 4ha (10 acres)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 73ha (180 acres)

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Einstein and Humber
Area: 150ha (370 acres)