Oilseed rape produced no surprises for Michael Manners of Coniscliffe Grange, Staindrop Road, Darlington, County Durham, but at least he had 250ha (620 acres) of wheat to look forward to.

After beginning his “hardly ripe” Oilseed rape 10 days ago at 18-19% moisture, Mr Manners completed his rape last Tuesday [31st July].
The 87ha (214 acres) of Kalif and Lioness yielded 2.13 t/ha (31cwt/acre) with oil contents of 41.5 and 43.5 respectively.

He said: “We started going just to get the wheels turning,” adding that moisture came down to around 9% when he finished cutting

He said combining had been easy and was relieved yields were alright considering the weather.

He thought his winter wheat –Gladiator, Alchemy, Robigus, Napier and Glasgow– could be ready mid next week. He predicted that the dry spring would pull yields down despite plentiful ears numbers.

Mr Manners said harvest progress was about the same as last year and added: “Provided we have good weather from now on, everything will be OK.”

• Crop: Oilseed rape
• Area: 87ha
• Yield: 2.13 t/ha
• Moisture content: 14% – average (variation – 19%-9%)

o Variety: Lioness
o Oil content: 43.5

o Variety: Kalif
o Oil content: 41.5

*Harvest Highlights 2007 is sponsored by RAGT