Arable Farming

Oilseed rape area is set for further decline after catastrophic yields have left many growers pulling the plug on the crop.

We had a bit of excitement in the garden last week. I had a text from my wife to phone the local farmer after she heard a moo which sounded too close. It was, and 75 cows and their calves had got out and were walking down the street.

As I write this article on July 16, I am delighted to report that the MacLeod family managed to fit in a ‘staycation’ having just returned from a four-day trip to Wester Ross and a stay in my uncle’s chalet. 

Nearing the end of an extraordinary season, we can count ourselves lucky Covid-19 has affected our working lives much less than many. But then again, we have the weather to contend with.

With no oilseed rape or winter barley in the ground I was not expecting an early start to harvest and that is how it looks at the moment.

As I write, combines in our area are making their first tentative starts into this year’s harvest.

A new emergency authorisation of a desiccant for linseed seed crops has been secured.

The last season has really highlighted where soil health can be improved, particularly when coping with both too much and too little water. Soil expert Dick Neale offered his top tips on soil management ahead of the drill.

AHDB Recommended List (RL) harvest results are showing very variable yields in winter barley in a difficult season.