John Steele from HK and JF Farms, Norfolk, said wheat yields were down on last year.

He thinks this is due to the wet August last year, followed by dry weather at critical stages this summer. Yields averaged 9t/ha compared to 11t/ha last year, and he said all his friends have also experienced lower yields than last year.

Welford was the highest yielding, but bushel weights of all varieties were down at 76-79kg/hl compared to over 80kg/hl last year. He is pleased Hagbergs have generally been high in the area, although he claims premiums are lower as everyone has got good quality.

Harvest finished on Aug 16 which was much earlier than last year when he finished in early September.

Oilseed rape was very good this year yielding 4.6t/ha, he noted.

• Crop/Variety: Winter wheat – Consort, Gladiator, Ambrosia, Welford


• Area: 128ha


• Yield: 9t/ha


• Quality: Bushel weight 76 – 79kg/hl

• Crop/Variety: Oilseed rape – Astrid, Castille, Expert, Winner, Apex


• Area: 100ha


• Yield: 4.6t/ha


• Quality: N/A