Variable yields at Weston Colville
Richard Cobbald finished harvest at Henry D’Abo Farming, Weston Colville, Cambridgeshire, yesterday (1 September), with variable results.
“The light land has been poor, and the heavy land has been average.”
Late drilled Solstice on light land as second wheat yielded just 5t/ha (2t/acre), with second wheat Duxford at 7.5t/ha (3t/acre).
But Oakley first wheat was better, averaging about 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre).
Tipple spring barley, on light land after sugar beet, was extremely disappointing, at 3.2t/ha (1.3t/acre) and 2.2% nitrogen.
“But I’m sure the malsters will take it because it’s sold well below current prices, so I reckon they’ll blend it.”
Oilseed rape was superb, averaging 4.2t/ha (1.7t/acre), said Mr Cobbald.
“The Cabernet was probably the star performer. We had one field which was badly attacked by rabbits and pigeons, otherwise I think it would have all averaged 5t/ha (2t/acre).”
And sugar beet looked fantastic, he added. “Having sold the cereals when we did, I think we’ll take the same money for less yield, which isn’t bad.”
Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Solstice
Area: 100ha (250 acres)
Yield: 5t/ha (2t/acre)
Variety: Duxford
Area: 140ha (346 acres)
Yield: 7.5t/ha (3t/acre)
Variety: Oakley
Area: 350ha (865 acres)
Yield: 9.5t/ha (3.8t/acre)
Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 50ha (125 acres)
Yield: 3.2t/ha (1.3t/acre)
Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Cabernet, Vision and Sesame
Yield: 4.2t/ha (1.7t/acre)
