Harvest Update

Whilst we started harvest on the 12th August with some winter oats, the oil seed rape and winter wheat combining only really got going on the 19th August.

Oil seed rape yields are disappointing and if we make 2.5t/ha, we will be lucky.

The wheat is certainly better than last year, some areas have tillered well and ears large. Specific weight is good above 75 kg. However, the areas sprayed off and bare patches will probably drag our final average down to 7.5 t/ha.

Oil seed rape drilling starting on Sunday, weather permitting !!!



Some areas have been terrific.......



If only the wheat would average this.....

Early morning spraying off spring rape.... a couple of months ago we
 considered getting rid of this crop... glad we didn't

Our community orchard looks like it will have a harvest this year, two years after planting

We're off and running...

A lot of our crops look like they are all going to be ripe at the same time, so we decided to make a start.

This afternoon the Allerton combine rolled across the Leicestershire countryside trying to scare our crops into ripening faster. Winter oats were combined on our neighbour's farm and came in at 17.5% moisture and 50 kg specific weight.

We were keen, but eager to see if the combine was working smoothly and soon discovered a broken spring and the GPS/yield meter playing up.

Could have been drier and a heavier crop (approx. 7t/ha), I'll know better when I've fixed the yield meter.

Off to work......



Where we're going....

Where we've been....

looks like the setting sun over 40 tonnes of oats in store

A reasonable effort.... shame others are not bothered!

As ragwort marches across our rural landscape we have to make a reasonable effort to control it. It is a condition of Cross Compliance and we do our best each season. But ragwort seeds drift across our farm like a myriad of unwanted Chinese lanterns.

Local authorities, water companies and those responsible for our railways seem to have other ideas. Control is not on the agenda. The Weeds Act seems to be unenforceable..... because folk just can't be bothered.




Phase 1. Find ragwort..... easy!

Phase 2. Clear... well nearly!



Phase 3. Burn.The  A team's reasonable effort.... one of 5 truck loads.





Day 2 .... The R Team