It had been one week since Tom Hipwell last had the combine out at Hill Farm, Sandy, Bedfordshire, and it didn’t seem likely to be putting in an appearance today either. “It’s just been too wet and it’s not showing any signs of drying at the moment,” he said.

The 283ha (700 acres) of Castille and Excalibur oilseed rape was all in the barn, averaging 3.3t/ha (1.35t/acre) – a little below normal. The 344ha (850 acres) of Einstein winter wheat was also completed, yielding slightly below average at 8t/ha (3.25t/acre). “But it’s got a good sample,” said Mr Hipwell.

He had managed to get 1.5 days into the 202ha (500 acres) of Robigus before rain stopped play, averaging about 9.4t/ha (3.8t/acre). “The straw was extremely green which slowed us down but the grain itself was ripe enough.”

Crop: Oilseed rape
Area: 283ha (700 acres)
Varieties: Castille & Excalibur
Yield: 3.3t/ha (1.35t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Area: 344ha (850 acres)
Variety: Einstein
Yield: 8t/ha (3.25t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Area: 202ha (500 acres)
Variety: Robigus
Yield: 9.4t/ha (3.8t/acre)