Peter Fairs near Evesham in Worcestershire said winter barley harvest was well underway in his area. He said one or two farms had started cutting oilseed rape, but he expected to start on Monday.

The sprayed off industrial rape was not looking as patchy as it did last year. Borage harvesting should also start next week, he said.

Winter wheat was “going off very quickly” in the heat, despite having looked very well until two or three weeks ago. “We had a very dry June and have had only 4mm rain in July, so they look very dry.” Solstice was looking particularly well, but he said milling wheats generally do look better than others.

Mr Fairs added: “We are hoping things will be better than last year. Fingers crossed and we will be alright.”