UK: Around 30% of UK winter barley area harvested by July, 26

After a slow start due to unsettled weather and slow crop ripening, harvesting of winter barley and winter oilseed rape in the southern and central regions of England is now well underway, the HGCA reported on July, 28.

Around 30% of the UK winter barley area has been harvested up to end of July, 26. A start has also been made on early winter wheat on light soils.

Despite relatively low rainfall during the last week, regular light showers and cool temperatures restricted harvest to only 2-3 days in eastern regions, and up to 5 days further west, with only 4-8 hours of harvesting each day due to slow drying of the crops in the field. Harvested moisture contents of winter barley ranged from 14-17%, with those crops harvested most recently needing little if any drying.

Winter average barley yields are currently around 10% below the 5 year average, it is reported. Good progress is expected to be maintained with settled weather continuing until at least the weekend.

29 July, 2011