Graham Furey had finished his spring barley at Castleview, Killyleagh, County Down, but still had to make a start on his wheat tomorrow (September 6).

“The contractor’s combine broke down over the weekend. We sprayed Roundup  on the wheat last Wednesday so hope to start again tomorrow,” he said.

The 40ha (100 acres) of Wicket and Westminster barley yielded 5.6-6.2t/ha (2.25-2.5t/acre) at 15-16% moisture, on a par with many peoples’ crops in the area. “Most people seem well pleased with their spring barley,” said Mr Furey.

He expected the 40ha (100 acres) of Robigus and Alchemy winter wheat to yield reasonably well. “A lot of grains haven’t filled out at the top of the head, but it’s standing well and if we can get over 7.4t/ha (3t/acre) we’ll be happy enough.”

Mr Furey had also sprayed off most of the 10ha (25 acres) of spring peas, although dreadful weeds meant he was considering spraying them out before combining the crop.

Crop: Spring barley
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Varieties: Wicket and Westminster
Yield: 5.6-6.2t/ha (2.25-2.5t/acre)