“It‘s about salvaging what they can and getting the most out of a difficult job,” was the message given by Owen Clegg from Wessex Grain in Wiltshire.

Farmers are increasingly concerned about the effects of wet and humid weather on the quality of their crops.

“They are harvesting with the view that it‘s better if it‘s at 20% moisture in the shed rather than 20% in the field.”

According to Mr Clegg‘s ‘instincts‘, 35% of the wheat has so far been harvested in the area, at mostly good yields.

The average yield is about 9 t/ha (3.64 t/acre) while proteins have been variable between 11.5 and 14% and Hagbergs so far proving promising, averaging 230. 

“However Hagbergs are likely to fall the longer the crop is left in the field. If the wheat is still standing in the field by September, farmers will be very worried.”

With parts of Eastern Europe and the Black Sea area reporting good harvests, the export market will be tough this year.

“Yields are good, so there are large amounts to export, but if the quality is poor then it will make it very hard to shift.”

“Farmer‘s have been hit by a triple whammy – poor quality, poor prices and high diesel costs, with the only saving factor being good yields.

“The question is how much will the yields compensate the other factors?”