Farmers are breathing a sigh of relief across the UK, having almost finished one of the most difficult harvests in memory.

In Shropshire, Andrew Craig was baling up the last of his straw today (29 September).

“The past fortnight has been a Godsend,” he said. “It’s dried up remarkably well and we’re now flat out drilling.”

The Scottish borders had been one of the worst hit areas, with heavy flooding causing tremendous problems.

But most farmers were now winding up their harvest, and ground conditions had dried up very quickly, said Neil Thomson from Caverton Mill, Kelso.

“It’s surprising how well the ground has dried up – considering three weeks ago today we were under water we’ve got on pretty well,” he said.

Most people had finished harvest across Scotland and the north of England, leaving just a few bits and pieces to clear up, said Trevor Harriman, general manager of Scotgrain.

Quality in general had been reasonable, but the sharp drop in prices was preventing many farmers from selling except where absolutely necessary, he said.

In North Scotland, Martin Bridges finished harvest at Moray Estates on Wednesday, but would be drying wheat for another fortnight.

A lot of his wheat came in over 20% moisture, but yields were above average at about 8.6t/ha (3.5t/acre).

Richard Kane finished harvest at Brosglasgow House, Myroe, Londonderry, on Thursday (25 September) and was clearing up the straw today.

“There’s less than 5% left to do in the area – most people are finished cutting,” he said.

• With harvest so nearly complete across the country, FWi will no longer be publishing regular Harvest Highlights. However, please do keep us posted with your thoughts and pictures.