Chris Vowles is waiting for a few dry days before he makes a start on his winter barley at Freemans Farm, Barrow Gurney, Bristol.

“It will be ready any day now but we’ll have to wait until the high pressure arrives,” he said. The 16ha (40 acres) of Carat looked well, as did the same acreage of Claire winter wheat and 8ha (20 acres) of Waggon spring barley.

“The barley straw is still a bit green but I’m hoping for a good crop,” said Mr Vowles. “I would think the Claire will be ready mid-August – a bit later than normal – and the spring barley looks at least a month away.”

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Carat
Area: 16ha (40 acres)

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Claire
Area: 16ha (40 acres)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Waggon
Area: 8ha (20 acres)