Farmer Focus: Mother Nature still controls 90% of the outcome

Well, my optimism for harvest of 12t/ha average yield was short-lived once the combine started to roll.

We planned to start wheat harvest at the start of August, but we were finished by the end of July, which is unheard of.

The first yield was a pleasing 10t/ha, then followed by 9t/ha. Then disaster hit, with yields dropping to 8.5t/ha and below.

See also: How new grain store secured farm’s future after storm

About the author

Mark Stubbs

Mark Stubbs manages his 700ha family arable farm in Lincolnshire, in partnership with his parents. The farm grows wheat, malting barley, oilseed rape, linseed and cover crops. Mark won the highest yielding winter wheat crop in the 2024 YEN awards.

Read more articles by Mark Stubbs

We averaged 8.5t/ha overall, which was so disappointing as the potential was looking so good.

The lack of rain and high temperatures on our shallow soil had a huge impact on yield.

You try your best to get a good yield, but Mother Nature still controls 90% of the outcome.

The dry weather has given us the dreaded fear of field fires. Unfortunately, this was the case of one of my neighbours whose combine caught fire.

Seven fire engines attended. We also attended with our water bowser, alongside another local farmer to assist in filling the engines.

There are only a few hydrants in remote farm areas, so the extra help to the fire crews was so important.

I know this has been the case all over the country this year. It just shows how resilient farmers are and how they help anyone in need.

As harvest has nearly finished for most of us, we look to prepare for next year’s crop, but trying to cultivate rock-solid soils is becoming a challenge.

Tines are wearing at a rapid rate, forward speed and output less and shear bolts are breaking at an alarming rate. 

With no rain forecast in our area at any time soon, we must get the land prepared.

As for drilling oilseed rape, well that will have to wait until there’s constant rain for a few days. Otherwise, it will start to grow, the flea beetle will attack it and destroy it.

I’ve never experienced a time like now where farming is so disappointing, both mentally and physically.

The decisions we make are probably the wrong ones at the minute, but we will still carry on because we are strong and resilient and we will find the correct solution eventually.