Cereals
Combines began rolling in late June with winter barley yields varying from average to good on heavier land, to very poor in second cereal situations on sand.
Wheat crops are turning quickly in the northern Midlands, the lack of rain means both heavy and light ground are giving up, many around 3 weeks earlier than usual.
Across the wider region, wheat on heavier ground still looks surprisingly good, with crops on the Wolds and lighter ground turning approximately 2-3 weeks ago.
Potatoes
Potato crops again vary massively with some phenomenal crops under irrigation, which has proven hard to keep up with crop demand.
Generally, tuber numbers are high, the worry however where unirrigated, rain will be needed for tuber fill.
Fruit
Fruit crops are generally looking good, apples are making excellent size, scab control has been relatively okay and codling/tortix moths have arrived in more contracted peaks; sun scorch and scald have caused issues in certain varieties like Bramley and sporadically on cherry. There have been issues with aphids, particularly in Kent, where systemic insecticides haven’t been as efficacious due to reduced movement within the tree in the dry heat.
Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is increasingly being picked up in cherry and soft fruit, this is the one to watch out for as populations may increase in subsequent crops with particular attention to late-season cherry and grapes.