Robert Shove finished his 368ha (920ac) wheat harvest on August 19, despite the last 30ha (75ac) still being wet. “The crops are wet but I’m a very happy bunny. We decided it was best to cut the last of the Claire despite it being over 15% moisture.”

Most of the Claire came in at 10t/ha (4t/ac), Malacca at 9.5-9.8t/ha (3.8-3.9t/ac), and Solstice at around 9.5t/ha. “It was better than last year. The reasonably wet May helped us enormously and may have saved us.”

Quality of Solstice was very good with good bushel weights, high protein, high Hagbergs and low screenings. By comparison, bushel weights of Malacca had been a continuing problem for Mr Shove.

“I’m fed up with the problems with Malacca. Talking to the grain merchants, a lot of people are getting fed up with the high screening and low bushel weights. The ears don’t fill up when it is dry – I will not grow it ever again.”

Next year he planned to grow Claire, Solstice, Robigus and Cordiale.

Mr Shove was pleased he had finished harvest, despite the rain at the end. He hoped the quality of his wet crop would be fine, although said growers with wheat remaining in the area were getting concerned.

“Many people in the area have a lot of wheat left to do. One wheat farmer said his crops had all fallen over and were growing in the ear. But, touch wood, our wet last 30ha will still have quality.”

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Claire
• Area: 368ha winter wheat in total
• Yield: 10t/ha
• Quality: Last 30ha high moisture

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Malacca
• Area: 45ha, plus 30ha from a customer
• Yield: 9.5-9.8t/ha
• Quality: Low bushel weight

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Solstice
• Area: 268ha winter wheat in total
• Yield: 9.5t/ha
• Quality: High protein, High Hagbergs, Low screenings