Fen Peas

Even though the vining peas are completed, there is the small matter of the bypassed peas to harvest. When you go into the field they are flat on the floor, but it is incredible how well the combine picks them up. The recovery is very good. If what we are experiencing is anything to go by, then seed crops generally should be good, and it would be nice if this was reflected in the price. Seed cost is something that has shot up in price over the last two years. In 2007 it represented 27% of our total costs, in 2008 35% and this year will be close to 40%. Costs of this magnitude are unsustainable, if it is not reflected in the sale price. The boys are well on with cleanning the machines. Particular attention will be given to the 08 machine, so that it sparkles for the Lord Mayor's parade in November!

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We are finished! Not the best of nights to finish on. Nearly 50mm of rain, conditions were similar to those we experienced in 2007. It's a shame the last 24 hours were like this. We have made a mess, but the job is done. I think everyone will be pleased of a rest.

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It has been pointed out that there has been no mention of our haulier this year. Clayton-Lenton Transport and his band of merry men have again given us good service, and taken on all that has been thrown at them. Including last minute extra loads. As well as his own lorries, he has been assisted by other local hauliers. We are now down to the last 220 acres so thursday/friday should see it all done.

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After a night of some sharp rain, we chose not to harvest, we have started again this morning in bright sunshine for the final push. The viners are down Wrangle Common in a field of Teepee. We have 500 acres left, so by the end of the week all should be done, barring prehaps the organics. It has seemed a long season, but when you start and never stop it sometimes seems that it drags on. Everyone involved has yet again thrown themselves into it, given their all, and despite the bypassing of 7% of the crop, I think we will look back on it as a sucessful season. This morning I saw Henry, the sampler, for the first time for three weeks. His is a bit of a lonely job, but he has done it very well, with the information he provides being accurate. He is now spending the last week helping us in the field, so he now has people to talk to!

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