Conditions have been “very dry this season” in Maidenhead, William Emmett from Hornbuckle Farm said.

The 100ha of oilseed rape came off at 3.4t/ha. “It looks as though there is a high yield but the seed size is poor.”

He also described the quality as “lower than expectations” because the harvest was “at least 10 days earlier than normal”.

Mr Emmett’s drought concerns are evidenced by the 6-7% moisture levels.

“Things could be very disappointing this year.”