In Somerset, Cannington Grain store was intaking winter barley, oilseed rape, oats and wheat.

Its all coming ready at once, said Ian Eastwood.

Harvest expectations are about average there are no records out there, but it is not as disappointing as we could have expected.

Winter wheat and oilseed rape had ripened at the same time at Proctor Bros Lighthouse Farm, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire.

We started cutting oilseed rape and wheat today (26 July), said Adrian Howell.

Thats the first time ever that theyve both come at once. We dont normally cut wheat until August.

Marrowfat peas were also about to ripen, leaving about 48 hours before they, too, would be ready, he added.

In Wiltshire, Edward Parsons was cutting Tipple spring barley at Templemans Farm, Redlynch.

I didnt expect much of it â?? I was thinking it could be as low as 4.9t/ha (2t/acre), but its actually doing alright at 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre).

Oilseed rape yields were better than last year, despite dreadful frost damage in the spring.

The worst frosted field of Cabernet actually yielded the best, at almost 4.9t/ha (2t/acre), with the entire 94ha (116 acres) averaging 4.3t/ha (1.75t/acre).

Persistent drizzle was preventing combining today at Alistair Pinkertons Blackbirds Farm, Aldenham, Hertfordshire.

We started oilseed rape on Wednesday but it wasnt quite ready, so we got into it again on Saturday and Sunday. Yields were about average, he said.

In Kent, Andy Pendry hoped to finish combining oilseed rape at Burden Bros Old Rides Farm, Eastchurch, tomorrow, and would be into wheat on Wednesday.

Yields have been a little bit disappointing but only because last year was so good, we were spoilt, he said.

Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive - for any queries related to the above news item contactfwi.newsdesk@rbi.co.uk