Mid-season harvest reports from around Scotland suggest a mixed bag for the country’s cereal growers.
The hot, dry weather during June and July saw the start of harvest for winter barley advance by almost a fortnight with yields and quality average or above and drying costs minimal.
A similar story is emerging on winter oilseed rape. Wheat and spring barley harvests are now getting started although showery weather across the country is slowing progress.
As predicted, the severe shortage of rain during the summer has had a significant impact on straw. Across the country, many farmers have been turning off their choppers and baling straw instead.
However, early reports on spring barley harvested to-date confirm that both volumes of straw and straw length are short.
The mid-season harvest update coincides with the launch of National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland’s long-running annual Arable Crops Survey.
The survey can be filled out online. Growers have until Monday, September 24 to respond.
Harvest survey
Member information helps produce an independent estimate of crop production and increase the accuracy of figures produced by the Scottish Government, Defra and the European Commission.
NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Committee chairman Ian Sands, who farms at Balbeggie in Perthshire said: “Although rain has stopped play for the next couple of days, it is great to see harvest progressing around the country.
“In my area, winter barley and most of the oilseed rape are cut with average yields matching what I was expecting.
“We cut some spring barley last week which was better than expected, the quality was good, nitrogen levels high and yields of straw poor. A lot of spring barley in these parts is not ready to be cut yet. We also cut wheat last week.
On light land, yields were disappointing but in heavy land, yields were quite good. However, straw yields were well below the norm.
“This year, more than most, accurate figures on Scotland’s harvest will be vital as growers and their customers try to match supply with likely demand.
“I urge all with crops to take the time to complete the NFUS arable survey so that a full picture of the 2018 harvest can be determined.”
