Wheat harvest in Shropshire is about three-quarters complete, according to independent agronomist Bryce Rham.

With the persistent and heavy rain he was beginning to get a sense of déjà vu. “It reminds me very much of last year. It is depressing, but not disastrous – yet.”

Most crops were still standing, and were not suffering too badly in the weather. “It’s not as bad as last year, but we desperately need a dry week.”

Combining most fields at 17-19%, farmers were having to dry everything, he added.

First wheats had yielded well, at over 9.9t/ha (4t/acre), but second wheats had been a mixed bag, ranging from almost 9.9t/ha to a disastrous 6.2t/ha (2.5t/acre).

“It’s the worst year we’ve had for take-all in some time – the crops suddenly just went, very quickly.”

Spring barley was proving difficult to harvest, as many heads had dropped close to the ground. Winter barley had done the same, but yielded a reasonable 7.9t/ha (3.2t/acre).

“No beans have been cut yet, and they don’t look ready.” Spring oilseed rape had been sprayed off for two weeks, and would be ready at the end of this week, he added.