Farming talk: Growers see higher yields in wheat crop
With farmers moving into their wheat crops having harvested barley and oilseed, reports from around the region confirm the trend of higher yields as seen in barley is continuing, writes Paul Crump.
Although weather is hampering progress, any concern that quality will suffer has not yet manifested. While conditions may be causing frustration some comfort can be gained from the west having had slightly drier weather than those in the eastern counties.
There is talk of oilseed and even barley in the field north of Lincoln with very little wheat cut.
Early milling wheat samples have not only demonstrated exceptional quality returns but also yield, typically an average of 8.5t/ha is the norm, however, crops are throwing up yields averaging 10.5t/ha. Many growers are monitoring progress of new varieties such as Skyfall where yields are more than pleasing although protein levels are proving variable.
Early harvesting varieties such as Grafton have produced specific weights higher than have ever been seen before confirming the high yield factor being demonstrated throughout the region.
For those growing milling, wheat premiums have dropped as buyers have a larger pool of quality wheat to draw from.
UK grain values are unlikely to see any recovery in the short term, carryover from last year's harvest along with bumper returns combining to keep a lid on the market.
In conjunction and despite record drought and flood conditions experienced in other major producing regions of the world, global wheat production is also forecast higher than last year, leaving the UK with a difficult task ahead when competing for export especially when sterling remains strong.
Other influences such as increased French yields, production in the Black Sea region up by circa 5mmt and a weaker ruble will also stem EU ability to compete for export.
Despite the negativity, a degree of support may yet influence UK market direction as EU maize production numbers are constantly readjusting as crop impact is assessed as a result of the hot, dry conditions experience in France and Eastern Europe.
* Paul Crump is arable trade manager at Wynnstay
