News from the Fields July '26

July is, without a doubt, the busiest month of the farming year for us. After months of planting, feeding, spraying and patiently watching the crops grow, it’s finally time to harvest almost everything we’ve spent the year nurturing. Traditionally, we wouldn’t expect to start harvest until around the second week of July, but this year the prolonged hot, dry weather meant we got underway unusually early, with combines rolling into the fields at the end of June. Here at Bryce’s Farm, that means harvesting oilseed rape, spring and winter barley, winter wheat, oats, millet and linseed, each crop ready at slightly different times depending on the weather. If you’ve driven through the village recently, you’ve probably spotted the combines at work. These impressive machines cut and thresh the crop before unloading the grain into waiting tractors and trailers alongside them. The grain is then taken back to the farm’s grain store, where it’s carefully stored until it is collected by lorry and transported to its final destination. Harvest isn’t simply a case of cutting the crop and selling it. Farmers are at the mercy of the grain market, where prices can change daily depending on supply and demand, global events, exchange rates, oil prices and harvests both here in the UK and around the world. On top of that, the grain has to meet strict quality standards. If it’s too wet, it has to be dried at extra cost. If it hasn’t matured properly, is contaminated or doesn’t meet the buyer’s specification, the farmer may receive a reduced price. It’s no wonder harvest can be one of the most rewarding but also one of the most stressful times of the year. And yes… if you know a farmer, you’ll probably hear them constantly talking about the weather! During harvest, it’s impossible not to. Every forecast is watched closely because even a small change can have a big impact. Hot, dry weather is ideal for getting crops cut, but if it becomes too hot there’s an increased risk of combine and field fires, and crops can become so dry and brittle that the grain is knocked from the ears before it even reaches the combine. Wet weather can bring harvest to a standstill altogether. Crops that are too wet can’t be safely stored and often need drying, adding significant cost. Thunderstorms can also shake valuable grain onto the ground or flatten crops, making them much more difficult and slower to harvest. It’s a constant balancing act, so it’s no surprise they’re obsessed. As we head into August, combines and tractors will still be busy around the village. If you’re out and about, please keep an eye out for agricultural vehicles on the roads and in the fields. Try not to block field gateways, even if you’re only stopping for a short time, as farmers may need immediate access with large machinery. During harvest many are working from early morning until late into the evening, making the most of every dry hour. A little patience, plenty of space on the roads and an understanding that these few hectic weeks are crucial for the year’s work all help ensure everyone gets home safely. Enjoy watching the harvest unfold it really is one of the most spectacular times of year in our local countryside