Understanding the Harvest Season: Farmer Panel Insights on Highs and Lows
The combine harvest has brought mixed results for our eight Arable Insights growers after a challenging season. Here’s an update on how the harvest has unfolded for each of them:
West Midlands: Rob Atkin
Yields at Atkin Farm near Uttoxeter are down by approximately 25%. Despite this, the farm has seen some positive aspects such as minimal ergot presence and good bushel weights. Straw yields have also been high, which will help offset some of the lost grain income. Rob plans to sell the remaining grain strategically over the next few months, hoping for improved prices.
East Midlands: Heather Oldfield
Establishment difficulties have led to lower-than-average yields at the Oldfields’ farm. Despite this, specific weights have been good, but ergot contamination is a concern. Spring barley has met malting specifications, providing a small win for the season.
South West: Dougal Hosford
Experimental changes in practices have yielded interesting results for Dougal Hosford. While some crops have performed well, others, like the Wildfarmed winter wheat, have been disappointing. Trials on nitrogen doses and crop combinations are ongoing to determine the most effective strategies.
East Anglia: Jack Smith
Dry weather conditions have made harvesting relatively easy in East Anglia. Yields for wheat have been slightly below long-term averages, while oilseed rape and beans have shown better performance. Disease pressures have prompted a reevaluation of fungicide strategies for future crops.
North: Tamara Hall
Harvest at Molescroft Farm in Yorkshire has been better than expected. Spring oats and beans are yet to be harvested, but early signs point to decent yields. Wheat yields have been variable, with some crops meeting targets despite initial concerns over plant numbers.
South: Tom Carr
Yields have been inconsistent at the Southwick Estate in Hampshire, with no clear pattern determining performance. Wheat yields have been patchy, but specific weights have been poor. Other crops like winter barley and oilseed rape have also shown mixed results.
Northern Ireland: Neill Patterson
Decent yields have been a silver lining in a challenging harvest season in Northern Ireland. Crops on free-draining soils have performed well, with varieties like Graham maintaining target yields. Disease pressures have prompted a reevaluation of crop management strategies.
Scotland: David Fuller-Shapcott
Difficult weather conditions in the Scottish Borders have created challenges at harvest. Winter crops have struggled, with winter wheat yields diabolical in some fields. Spring crops like oats and barley show more promising prospects, but cashflow issues persist due to delayed harvests. Plans for creating stale seed-beds are in the works to address weed challenges in the next season.
Overall, the harvest has been a mixed bag for our Arable Insights growers, with each facing unique challenges and opportunities this season.
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.