Charlie Edgeley was hoping to start his winter wheat this week (w/c 4 August), but expected to be frustrated by the showers.

“By the time it’s dried out enough it will be raining again,” he said. Last week he had sprayed off 200ha (500 acres) of wheat, which had been looking a bit green.

Mr Edgeley had 730ha (1800 acres) of continuous cereals at Kensham Farm, Cadmore End, Berks, including Soissons, Hereward, Solstice, Einstein, Malacca, Deben and Battalion wheat and Quench spring barley.

“It looks promising – we have just got to sit tight and be patient.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Area: 730ha (1800 acres)
Varieties: Soissons, Hereward, Solstice, Einstein, Malacca, Deben and Battalion

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Quench