Barry Barker, national seed business manager for Dalgety, reports high proteins across wheat varieties. Hagberg levels are very varied ranging from the low 100s to 400.

He said that while Hereward has higher protein than Malacca, its Hagbergs are lower and is suffering mill deductions.

Specific weight is generally ok, and may be slightly above average, with Cordiale showing very good all round characteristics, he said.

Mr Barker said moisture and yields are generally ok, but wheat in the south needs to be cut soon as odd fields are looking grubby and he expects crops to be very fit after the rain this weekend (Aug 20-21).

With around 75% of farmers in Lincolnshire expected to finish wheat soon, progress is marginally ahead of last year, he said.