NORTH
NORTH
CROPS have not ripened as quickly as expected during recent hot weather leaving many growers waiting to start wheats earlier this week.
Where crop has been taken early, results are disappointing, with yields up to 2.5t/ha (1t/acre) down on last years exceptional harvest and almost to 1t/ha (8cwt/acre) down on average.
Viking Cereals, at Pocklington, says wheats are disappointing, up to 1.2t/ha (0.5t/acre) down with bushel weights significantly lower. GrainCo, the Tyneside co-op, suggests early milling wheats are quite good with 11-12% proteins, but variable Hagbergs.
Barometer farmer Caley Sackur, Lodge Farm, Tibthorpe, has cut 30ha (75 acres) of wheat – mainly Rialto, which was last years top yielder. He is quite pleased with the sample but says yield is 1.85t/ha (0.75t/acre) lower.
Peter Smith, Barnborough Grange, High Melton, Doncaster, is a third through his wheats. Results are variable with yield down 1.2t/ha (0.5t/acre), but second wheats better than anticipated at over 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre).
Kevin Littleboy, Howe Estate, Thirsk, is disappointed with yields down 1.6t/ha (0.6t/acre) on average. Rialto did 8t/ha (3.24t/acre) with 252-281 Hagberg and 11.2-12.9% protein. Consort did 8.8t/ha (3.56t/acre).
Yields of Muscat and Gaelic winter barley at Conicliffe Grange, Staindrop, Durham, also disappointed former barometer grower Michael Manners. "They are a good 0.5t/acre down on last year mainly because of lack of sunshine." First-cut wheat, third year Reaper, did 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre).
Clouds of dust swirling around combines testify to the high disease levels and brittle straw which characterise this years wheat crop.