Harvest
Harvest Has Begun at Eves Hill Farm
Harvest is one of the most important and rewarding times of the farming year, and we’re delighted to say that it’s officially underway here at Eves Hill Farm.
We’ve just started harvesting our low-input malting spring barley, and once that’s safely in the shed, we’ll move on to our Wild-farmed Spring wheat - another important crop in our regenerative farming system.
Like many farmers across the country, this hasn’t been an easy growing season. A combination of prolonged dry weather and extreme heat has challenged crops throughout the year, making every tonne we harvest feel even more valuable. Despite the difficult conditions, we’re incredibly grateful to have a crop to bring home.
The Return of the “Yellow Peril”
Harvest wouldn’t be harvest at Eves Hill Farm without one very familiar face…
Our trusty New Holland 8060 combine, affectionately known as the “Yellow Peril,” is once again rolling through the fields. Bought when I was a child over 45 years ago, she’s been part of countless harvests and has become a much-loved member of the farm.
This may well be her final harvest.
She’s hot to drive, incredibly noisy, and by the end of the day everything—and everyone—is covered in dust. Modern combines may be bigger, faster and packed with technology, but there’s something special about watching this old machine doing what she’s done so faithfully for decades.
Every pass across the field carries with it memories of harvests gone by, family working together, and the traditions that continue to shape life on the farm today.
Farming Through the Challenges
Harvest is always a race against the weather. Long days quickly become long nights as every opportunity is taken to gather the crops while conditions are right.
This year, the challenges have been different. The prolonged drought and repeated heatwaves have tested crops and farmers alike. While we can’t control the weather, we adapt, plan and keep going—because that’s what farming demands.
Growing low-input barley and Wild-farmed wheat reflects our commitment to farming in a way that works with nature, building healthier soils and more resilient crops for the future.
A Thank You to Farmers Everywhere
As you enjoy your morning toast, your lunchtime sandwich or your evening meal, we’d ask you to spare a thought for farmers across the country.
Right now, thousands of farming families are working from dawn until well after dusk, putting in long, tiring days to harvest the crops that will become the food on our tables.
It’s demanding work, often carried out in intense heat, dust and noise, but it’s also one of the most satisfying times of the year. There is nothing quite like the feeling of bringing the harvest home.
From all of us at Eves Hill Farm, thank you for continuing to support British farming, local food and family farms. Every visit to our Farm Shop, Farmers’ Market, campsite and events helps support businesses like ours and the work that goes into producing food sustainably.
Here’s hoping for safe harvests, kind weather and a successful end to the season for farmers everywhere.
