Later drilled wheat has not yielded as well as September-sown crops, said Chris Cockayne in Nottinghamshire.

With 200ha of Access and Einstein, there is no difference between the varieties. But he said samples look better than last year with brighter grain and higher bushel weights.

Delays due to rain have been Mr Cockayne’s main problem and he expects heavy rain today (Aug 19) to affect the Hagberg of the remaining 8ha. He said he only has half a day’s combining left to finish harvest, which is better than last year when he did not finish until September 9.

Thinking of next year, he added: “With prices so low, what is the point in growing crops? I can imagine there will be a lot of bare ground next year.”