Showers moving in from the south-west have spread across much of the UK, halting progress on Tuesday (3 August).

Some areas received heavy downpours during the morning, while others missed the brunt of the storm allowing their combines to carry on into the afternoon.

Where progress was possible, early cut wheats continue to provide mainly pleasing results.

Other farmers who have seen more of the wet weather are now becoming frustrated they can’t get on.

Oilseed rape continues to be very variable; with some farmers, especially in the east, having disastrous outcomes.

It is agreed that the main cause of poor yields is dry weather during establishment last autumn.

Robert Willy  in Essex told FARMERS WEEKLY Harvest Highlights: “My wheat has been better than I thought.”

But he is suffering from some lodging owing to storms that hit last month.

Mr Willy also reports that some fields have been hit hard by up to 20% orange blossom midge infestation.

He brands his rape a “complete disaster and a total mess”.

Dorset farmer Nick Finding  is pleasantly surprised with wheat results. “We were concerned the wheat wasn’t going to yield but it turned out to be better than expected.”

So far he has cut 50ha (120 acres) of Cordial, but was frustrated that the rain delayed the combine today.

He too has been disappointed by Winner oilseed rape, but other varieties have produced better yields on his farm. Elsewhere Royal has impressed many farmers.

Both Peter Bawn from Herefordshire and Caley Sackur  from Humberside have been struggling with bad weather.

“We’ve only been going for one day so far,” Mr Bawn said.

Mr Sackur added: “This whole harvest has been very annoying; it‘s on and off continually.”

According to FWi weather services most of the UK will remain unsettled especially in the North and East where thunder storms are likely.