EAST
EAST
WINTER wheat yields are down on last year, but close to the regions long-term average.
With much of the wheat crop combined, Dalgetys David Neale says yields are down 1.2-1.8t/ha (0.5-0.75t/acre) across all varieties. Quality is also variable, with specific weight down 3-4kg/hl on last year and high screenings.
Barometer farmer Philip Godfrey is bucking the trend, with yields on par or slightly better than last year. Riband averaged 10.6t/ha (4.3t/acre) compared with 10.12t/ha (4.1t/acre) last year.
Rialto is down on last years farm trial, but Hereward, grown as a second wheat almost matched last years 8.97t/ha. Quality has been good with Hagbergs of 280 plus and specific weight about 80kg/hl.
At J E W Banks of Crowland lodging has cut yield by about 1.25t/ha (0.5t/acre) and affected specific weight, says manager William Rodwell. "Riband second wheat was disappointing, although Brigadier looked better and Rialto the best, with 3.7t/acre, 12.2% protein, but low bushel weight."
In Suffolk, Michael Craske says his wheat yields are the best for three years. Buster produced just under 10t/ha (4t/acre) as a second wheat and Reaper turned in just over 10t/ha with a conventional triazole ear wash. The same variety yielded 11.80t/ha (4.75t/acre) as a first wheat after an ear treatment with a new generation fungicide.
In Norfolk, yields are down 1.25-1.8t/ha (0.5-0.75t/acre) on last year and specific weights range from "dreadful to respectable", says Allied Grains Robert Brown.
"Overall, quality is average. We have seen some nice samples but also some dirty milling wheats. Early lodged wheats have specific weights in the mid-60s. But good weather has held Hagbergs up well."
"Satisfactory rather than stunning" is how Andrew Kerr describes harvest at Wyldingtree Farm, North Weald, Essex, and the surrounding area. "Yields are definitely down." He hoped to finish by mid-week with Brigadier, Reaper, Riband and Shango on heavy boulder clay averaging 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre), about 7% less than last year.