FW Farmer Focus writer John Jeffrey finished a very early harvest on Sunday (August 27) in Roxburghshire, Scottish Borders.

“Overall it has been good and crops were mostly dry, but yields were not as good as expected after being hit by the drought in the summer.”

Yields were slightly back on last year at an average of 8.25t/ha (3.3t/acre) from 120ha (300acres) of Solstice. Quality had been good enough to meet milling specification with good Hagbergs, but he said protein levels were at about 12.5%.

“It met milling standards but missed out on the top premiums as proteins were slightly low due to the dry weather.”

Mr Jeffrey said harvest was about 80% complete in his area, with the majority of the wheat cut and only beans and bits of spring barley remaining.

“Harvest was very early this year. Three years ago was the earliest harvest ever, but it is unusual for us to be done in September. I think this has affected the yields.”

• Crop: Winter wheat
• Variety: Solstice
• Area: 120ha (300acres)
• Yield: 8.25t/ha (3.3t/acre)
• Quality: Protein levels 12.5%