Andrew Jackson is combining the last of his spring oilseed rape at Pink Pig Farm, Holme, Lincolnshire, today (23 September).

“We’ve only got a small patch so I guess we’ll get about 15 tonnes off it,” he said. “Overall, with the Excalibur winter rape included, we should average about 3.07t/ha.”

Venture winter barley, grown for seed, averaged 7.41t/ha on very light sand, which was surprisingly good, considering the dry spring, said Mr Jackson.

But wheat proved far more variable, touching 11t/ha on good land where clay retained the moisture, but averaging 8.69t/ha overall.

“Santiago was best, averaging 9.3t/ha and 8.53t/ha on different fields, with Invicta at 8t/ha,” he added.

Most farmers had finished harvest in the area, with a few combining the last fields yesterday and today.

“We’ve also got 60% of the winter wheat sown, and will be starting on the winter barley drilling today.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Excalibur and Tamarin
Yield: 3.07t/ha

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Venture
Yield: 7.41t/ha

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Santiago and Invicta
Yield: 8.69t/ha