Farmers were about 20% through winter wheat harvest in Scotland, according to Alan Macauley of merchant Frontier.

“Yields so far are about 10% down but it’s a bit early to tell,” he said.

Growers were between 20% and 40% into their spring barley, depending on location, and yields had been reasonable, said Mr Macauley. “Optic quality has been good, but Oxbridge has been disappointing, with very variable quality. Nitrogen contents have been lower than expected in general.”

Winter barley yields had been down on last year but bushel weights were good, while oilseed rape crops had been extremely good, at 4-4.3 (1.6-1.75t/acre) and up to 4.9t/ha (2t/acre) in places.

“Harvest is about two weeks behind last year and a week behind average, so although it looks as if we’re in for a settled spell it will be mid-September before it’s tied up,” he said.

• Crop: Oilseed rape
  
• Yield: 4-4.3 (1.6-1.75t/acre)

Progress:

• Winter wheat 20% complete
  
• Spring barley 20-40% complete