2024 Harvest: A Mixed Bag Across the UK
The 2024 harvest is in full swing across the UK, with farmers reporting a mixed bag of results. While some are celebrating impressive yields, others are facing challenges with disease, low specific weights, and variable growing conditions.
In the South West, Devon Grain store manager Duncan Lyon reports that winter barley yields have been variable, averaging 6.2t/ha with specific weights slightly down on last year at 64.7%. While oilseed rape has struggled in some areas, other patches have fared better at 3.7t/ha.
Further north, Phil Smith of Western Arable Services says that winter barley quality has been better than last year, with specific weights up to 70kg/hl. However, yields have been variable, ranging from as low as 1.2t/ha to more than 3.7t/ha in later crops.
Down in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Berkshire, Trinity Grain has taken in around 50,000t of combinable crops so far this season. Winter barley and oilseed rape are almost finished, with winter wheat and spring barley beginning to trickle in. Oilseed rape yields have varied widely, but oil contents are pleasing at 45% with moisture at 9%.
Meanwhile, in the east, Dewing Grain’s trading director Ian Webster reports that rapeseed yields fared better for some than expected, at around 3.5t/ha and 44% oil content. However, winter barley yields have been disappointing, averaging around 6.5t/ha, well below the 7.75t/ha five-year average.
Sheep Grazing for Enhanced Yields
In a promising story from Briddicott Farm on the edge of Exmoor, mixed farmer Andrew Speed is reaping the benefits of strategic sheep grazing. A late-drilled crop of Skyfall winter wheat, which was grazed by sheep in the autumn and winter, is yielding above 10t/ha with specific weights of 81-82kg/hl.
A Holistic Approach to Farming
The Speeds have a holistic approach to farming, integrating their livestock with their arable enterprise. Grazing the oilseed rape volunteers not only eliminated chemical use but also produced excellent lambs. This approach exemplifies the potential for sustainable farming practices that can boost both yield and livestock production.
Disease Control and Weed Management
Despite the effective early season disease control through sheep grazing, Andrew had to use his first-ever T4 fungicide spray this season as a late influx of septoria posed a risk to crops. Weed management is also a key focus, with the family taking a proactive approach to keeping blackgrass off the farm.
Challenges and Opportunities in a Variable Harvest
Across the UK, farmers are facing a range of challenges in the 2024 harvest. From low specific weights in winter barley to the disappointment of oilseed rape yields, there are several factors contributing to the variability. But amidst these challenges, there are also opportunities for innovation and sustainable farming practices, as exemplified by Andrew Speed's sheep grazing system.
The 2024 harvest is a reminder that success in agriculture is a delicate balance of factors, from weather to disease control to innovative management techniques. As farmers navigate the challenges and opportunities of this season, they are also shaping the future of sustainable farming for generations to come.
