Wheat harvest is about 65% complete, according to research by ADAS for the HGCA, and yields are 3-4% below the five-year average, at 7.6-7.7t/ha (3-3.1t/acre).

This week’s settled weather had enabled combines to cut 600,000ha (1.48m acres), mostly since the weekend, with most grain now being cut at 15-16% moisture.

“Quality has dropped slightly for grain harvested in the past week, but most crops are still meeting minimum standards. Some sprouting in wet crops has been reported but it is not widespread,” said the report.

“Typical specific weights are still around 75kg/hl, while Hagberg falling numbers are still over 220 in most cases.

“Milling grain protein levels are typically over 12% but there is some degree of variation.”

In total, harvest was 70% complete by 2 September, with a start now made on later ripening beans and spring oilseed rape.

Spring barley harvest was 75% through in England and Wales, and 55% done in Scotland, with yields at 5-5.2t/ha (2-2.1t/acre) – 6% below average.

Winter barley harvest was finished, with below average yields of 6.2-6.3t/ha (2.5-2.6t/acre).

Three-quarters of the UK’s oats had been cut, and yields were also below average at 5.5-5.6t/ha (2.2-2.3t/acre).

However, winter oilseed rape yields were 12% above average, at 3.7t/ha (1.5t/acre).

Higher rainfall in the Eastern region and East Midlands had limited harvest progress, with only 50-60% of wheat combined, compared to 70-90% in other parts of England, it added.

“Around 700,000ha (1.73m acres) of wheat remains to be harvested, with around 50% of it in the Eastern region and East Midlands.

“The forecast for a continuation of the settled weather brings expectations of rapid clearance in the next seven days.”