“Nitrogen levels are higher which is a problem – this is certainly a high nitrogen year.

“However its mostly good solid average stuff.”

Mr Dewing’s theory is that the higher nitrogen levels are due to increased temperatures earlier in the season which killed off some of the tillers leading to a concentrated uptake of nitrogen into the grain.

“Yields are nothing to write home about, they’re just average.”

But he says that these nitrogen levels are not the main concern for farmers.

“The biggest issue is still the price.

“Some farmers are really miserable about these low prices.”

As a Result, Mr Dewing said: “There is no doubt that there will be less barley planted next year.”

But it is breweries, who put a greater emphasis on marketing than supplies, rather than the maltsters who are to blame for keeping prices “to the base line”, he says.