Harvest Roundup and Preview from Cheffins
2007 was a year of extremes which resulted in a year of poor performance for most crops. Nor was it a year for high profit, with most crops being sold forward at significantly less than the headlined high prices. 2008 , however, looks promising so far but the supply industry is already wanting its cut and prices of fuel, metal and inputs needed toessential in growing a healthy high yielding crops are rising fast, points out David Bolton, farm business partner of Cheffins.
Looking in detail at last season, David notes that a blisteringly warm April provided evidence that global warming could become a reality. "Torrential rainfall and the coldest August for ten years followed. From a promising start across the arable sector in East Anglia, many results have been disappointing and for some extremely worrying."
Heavy land wheat yields were down, first wheats by 12% and second wheats by 20%%- to30%. Both Alchemy and Robigus proved susceptible to brown rust and, although many wheat crops had a 3-spray fungicide programme, yield and quality were affected with lower specific weights and Hagbergs. "One 4000-acre manager from Norfolk observed he had combined 1,300 tonnes less this year from the same area last year, and that was using 20% more fuel and providing more work for the combine dealer."
"Feed wheat climbing to a record £195/tonne spot price in September has been the saving grace for some farmers, with these high prices being fuelled by low world grain stocks and market speculators. But overnight falls of £17/tonne prove just how volatile markets can be. Prices have tailed off latterly towards £150/tonne. Most farmers, however, have not cashed in on these heady sums. A price of £85/tonne seemed fair last autumn and forward sales at these levels now are a cause of great frustration. More serious are the contract shortfalls which have occurred, with yields so far below expectations. Many have had to make up contracts with expensive replacements," says David.
CHEFFINS, MANOR FARM, THE STREET, BRIDGHAM, NORFOLK, NR16 2RX
Telephone : 01953 714030 Fax : 01953 714837 Email : david.bolton@cheffins.co.uk
David reports that barleys have done reasonably well this last season: notably the spring barleys Tipple and Cellar, with summer rainfall prolonging growth on the lighter soils. "Excellent contracts for 2008 are making barleys a competitive enterprise to consider in place of sugar beet in some parts of the country."
"Oilseed rape looked good all year but produced disappointing results of 3.0 to 3.5 tonnes/ha. Prices have remained firm at around £250/tonne before oil bonuses, with futures markets comparable to current spot prices. Oilseed rape may be the break crop for 2008. However rape for energy purposes appears to be less attractive," says Mr. Bolton.
According to David, at the start of the season sugar beet prospects looked reasonable, with favourable early conditions. But April's heat delayed germination and subsequent growth by two to three weeks. "Initially most sugar beet showed a wide range of plant sizes within the same field for a long period. Standing water on stronger soils in August checked growth further. Lighter land will see some good yields and most growers should make quota."
"Sugar content on early lifted beet has been 18%, a 4% improvement on last year. Crops are still bulking up and lifting conditions remain good. Prices for 2007 lifted beet have been fixed at £ 20.70 plus transport allowance. But British Sugar needs to react soon and positively to pressures to make sugar beet viable for growers in 2008 and 2009. The price needs to improve in order to better alternative crops," warns David.
"For potatoes, it has been the worst blight year in Cheffins' experience. Unable to protect crops because of standing water and difficulties of travelling and plus the highest blight pressure for many years, the crop has been the hardest hit, reflected in yields that are 25% down and in poor quality of the final crop. Contract specifications got tighter annually and cracked potatoes won't grade. Wastage has been high and storage will be a challenge this year. Ware prices are strong but growing for crisps or chips will once again be on contracted prices made earlier. High prices now, like the cereal story, will not benefit many growers. One potato grower said it was his "worst year by a mile,", notes David.
CHEFFINS, MANOR FARM, THE STREET, BRIDGHAM, NORFOLK, NR16 2RX
Telephone : 01953 714030 Fax : 01953 714837 Email : david.bolton@cheffins.co.uk
Prices for peas and bean have doubled over the last year. Winter and spring beans coped with the rain producing better results. But vining peas had a dreadful year with rain causing foot rot and impossible harvesting conditions, notably in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. Complete crop failure has been a reality in parts of the country, according to Cheffins.
"In summary, it has been a year of poor performance for most crops, frequently attributable to the effects of the weather. Neither has it been a high profit year as some would report. The bulk of the UK grain harvest was sold forward for values lower than the later, headlined high prices. But as always growers who grew and sold well have done well," concludes David Bolton.
