Article taken from www.fwi.co.uk, written by Tim Bullock
Winter barley crops are turning fast and grain fill looks good. Most are still standing well, but there are some (mostly hybrids on very fertile fields) which could easily go flat if we have some heavy rain before harvest. My father has always said that when you think the barley is fit to combine, go on holiday for a week then it will be. We used to laugh at him every year when he said it, but there is a lot of truth there. Risk of skinning grain is greatly reduced, it thrashes easier and the straw doesn't need leaving as long before being baled if you let mother nature finish the crop off. Don't get too keen to make a start.... read more
Winter barley crops are turning fast and grain fill looks good. Most are still standing well, but there are some (mostly hybrids on very fertile fields) which could easily go flat if we have some heavy rain before harvest. My father has always said that when you think the barley is fit to combine, go on holiday for a week then it will be. We used to laugh at him every year when he said it, but there is a lot of truth there. Risk of skinning grain is greatly reduced, it thrashes easier and the straw doesn't need leaving as long before being baled if you let mother nature finish the crop off. Don't get too keen to make a start.... read more