Milling wheat quality is becoming a concern in the Shropshire area, with 10 days of unsettled weather forecast, according to Stuart Dolphin at Wrekin Grain.

“A lot of people were combining yesterday (16 August), but looking at the forecast that’s probably the only day they are going to be on.”

Most farmers had finished oilseed rape and oats, and were making a start on winter wheat, with just 10-15% cut so far, he said.

“Quality is good, although I have seen some Hagbergs at 250, which rather concerns me if we do get a wet week.

“There is also going to be a concern for spring malting barley – that is next in the line and the weather is just messing everything up.”

Oat samples had been nice, as had some of the pea samples. “We’ve seen some nice Prophet peas, but they are a very mixed bag.”