Heavy rain over the weekend flattened the remaining standing crops at Andrew Symonds’ Lincoms Farm, Worcs, turning harvest into a salvage operation.

“Anything that was standing is now not standing, and anything that’s on the floor is just sprouting,” he said. “It’s pretty dire.”

Mr Symonds had cut 75% of his spring barley, which had yielded well at 7t/ha (2.8t/acre), and 75% of his oats, which had also done well at 7.5-8t/ha (3-3.2t/acre).

The wheat had also performed well so far, averaging 9-10t/ha (3.6-4t/acre). But all milling quality had been lost.

“The Einstein and Gladiator have all gone in the shed in one pile – it’s just a question of getting it off the field now.”

Crop: Winter wheat
Varieties: Einstein and Gladiator
Area: 162ha (400 acres)
Yield: 9-10t/ha (3.6-4t/acre)

Crop: Oats
Variety: Gerald
Area: 40ha (100 acres)
Yield: 7.5-8t/ha (3-3.2t/acre)

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Tipple
Area: 20ha (50 acres)
Yield: 7t/ha (2.8t/acre)