Combine starts on oilseed rape

The 2012 harvest finally got underway at Loddington over the weekend.

Fine sunny conditions on Saturday were ideal  for combining, however the weather deteriorated on Sunday with numerous showers. Early indications are that oilseed rape yields are 15-20% lower than last year but with just 10% of the crop harvested only limited yield data is available.

Orchard thrives despite wet weather

The Loddington Diamond Jubilee Orchard is thriving despite the wet weather. The trees although planted in freezing temperature in February enjoyed dry weather in March and damp conditions through the spring and early summer. The pictures show newly erected sheep guards and and a rare sunny Loddington evening!!  

Individual sheep guards allow grazing near to tree base

 

The Sun has shone !!

Wilkinson Environmental Awards

The Allerton Project's farm Manager Phil Jarvis spent Thursday judging farms in Nottinghamshire for the Wilkinson Environmental Awards. Ably marshaled by Lesly Sharp, Phil and fellow judges Alison Pratt, Chloe Palmer and Steve Marshall set off in heavy rain and it looked as if it could be a wet day. However the weather cleared up and showed the East Midlands countryside at its best in warm sunshine.

The photo below shows a stunning pollen and nectar mix at John Miller's farm near Newark. The competition winners will be announced shortly on the NFU's website.