Two fields, a total of 10ha (25 acres), have been cut, with “very gravely” soil yielding 6.2t/ha(2.5t/acre), while one with more chalk in it managed 7.4t/ha (3 t/acre).

“It‘s not particularly brilliant, but it‘s better than last year and better than expected,” said Mr Edwards.

He is not too worried about what damage the current high winds and lashing rain will bring to the remaining 128ha (315 acres) of winter barley.

“It‘s the wheat and spring barley I‘m worried about – I hate to think what they‘ll look like tomorrow,” he said.

There are 20ha (50 acres) of Optic spring barley and 154ha (380 acres) of Claire, Consort and Robigus winter wheat, along with 76ha (188 acres) of Bourdon winter beans.