Since we cut the winter barley, we have been at a standstill. After the initial baling of enough straw for our own needs, I had intended to big-bale the rest in 8x4x4 bales. It is still my intention but nothing has been done as the constant showers have made baling impossible. It’s now going to need turning before baling and the month is moving on if I’m to meet the aim of getting the land cleared, disced to encourage germination of volunteers and then sprayed off in time to sow the oilseed rape by the end of August.

Mention of the oilseed rape reminds me that the first of it was sprayed with Roundup exactly three weeks ago. It should be being cut now but, again, we are at a standstill. Every time I go to the oilseed rape field, I expect to see the telltale silver glistening of shattered pods. To be on the safe side, we included a pod sealant to prevent pod shatter in windy conditions, but I am not sure how long it will prevent all crop loss. I am prepared to cut at above the ideal 9% moisture level and I can foresee energetic discussions on moisture deductions – provided we actually get in to cut it.

The winter oats is also coming fit but this is to be harvested by my contract buyer, so I feel it is out of my hands.

Meanwhile, we got our second-cut silage made and covered last week. It needed two teddings and had more stemmy material and seed heads than I would have liked, but we were probably lucky to get it done in reasonable conditions with no damage to the land.

We are continuing to sell bulls as they become fit and reach an acceptable weight. The range of performance and profitability is extraordinary.

Some will have a carcase weight of well over 400kg at 15 to 17 months and some will struggle to reach 380kg by 22 months.