Charles Harper said it remained “hot and dry” on Harps Farm on the Essex/Herts border. Crop progress is running 5-10 days ahead of last year.

But with mostly heavy land he is hopeful that crops will not suffer too much. Growing 1st wheats come out better than 2nd wheats do in this weather, he said.

“Things are looking alright at the beginning.”

With the oilseed rape having been sprayed 7 days ago, it was not ready yet, and the wheat harvest also looked “some time off”.

Mr Carter added that “things look reasonable, but until you get a combine in there you never know.”