The 2020/21 harvest year has been challenging on many fronts. We are still working through our seed dressing, but we expect most crops to finish up in line with long term average yields despite late-season frosts, wind damage in January and dry conditions.
Autumn plantings for ryegrass, cocksfoot, fescue and clovers have been very good again this year. The weather conditions meant these crops were sown in good time, but some were slow to come through the ground due to the dry conditions prevailing till the end of May. Next, the rain came. We feel fortunate to have not sustained too much damage to our production crops, but there has, of course, been some severe damage to those farms on the boundaries of the affected rivers and creeks. Our Carrfields team are working closely with our farmers in these areas and helping out in any capacity that we can.
2nd year cocksfoot crop being grazed off prior to shutting up.
We must also acknowledge the hard work and effort that has been put in from the numerous seed stores we work from and rely on. They have been working tirelessly to get seed processed and out the door in a challenging environment. It really highlighted the benefit of getting seed into stores as soon as practical, so they can then get tested and then the ball gets rolling.
Our traders are in discussions now with our overseas customers to secure spring production. We will be looking to offer brassica, chrysanthemum, radish, garden peas and field peas in the coming weeks. We also have enquiries from overseas for any free product available, so please make sure that you discuss this with your arable representatives if you have any unsold crop ex harvest, certified or uncertified and spring production options.
