Stephen Bumstead was just over half-way through his wheat at Ouse Bank Farm and New Manor Farm, near Bedford, Beds.

“What’s come in so far has been pretty good, with excellent specific weights,” he said. “Quality is holding up.”

Cordiale cut last week had tested at 12.3->13% protein, 75-79kg/hl and 290 Hagberg.

Yields across Cordiale, Oakley and spring wheat Belvoir had averaged around 9t/ha (3.6t/acre) at a guess, said Mr Bumstead.

He now had 73ha (180 acres) of Belvoir and Robigus to finish off. “It’s still standing and the grain looks pretty good. No sprouting is evident but we have to get on now if we can.”

But a spate of fuel, tool and farm vehicle thefts in the area meant he was having to be extra vigilant with his equipment, he added. “We all need to be careful when leaving machinery around.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Cordiale
Area: 40ha (100 acres)

Variety: Oakley
Area: 8ha (20 acres)

Crop: Spring wheat
Variety: Belvoir
Area: 19ha (47 acres)