James Stafford from Pickwick Lodge Farm in Wiltshire was happy with the harvest, until the rain came.

Pollen oilseed rape yielded 3.8t/ha which was “up a lot” on last year’s 3t/ha. Moisture levels ranged from 6% to 9.5%, and screenings were as low as 0.8%. 

Es Astrid yielded 4.45t/ha, with similar moisture and screening levels. Mr Stafford reported being “quite surprised” after the moisture dropped from 20% to 9.5% within six hours after the rain.

He added: “The worry is whether the pods will stay intact with the heavy rain followed by strong winds.”

• Crop/Variety: Oilseed rape/ Pollen
  
• Area: N/A
  
• Yield: 3.8t/ha
  
• Quality: 6-9.5% moisture, 0.8% screenings