Sea mists had prevented Meurig Raymond from combining for the past three days at Trenewydd Fawr, Haverfordwest, Pembs.

He still had 200ha (500 acres) to combine, and needed another dry day for the crops to dry out.

Yields had been excellent at over 10t/ha (4t/acre), but with drying costs of £10/t and the falling prices, they needed to be, said Mr Raymond.

Spring barley had yielded fairly well at about 7t/ha (2.85t/acre) and was so far just making the grade for malting.

However, the remaining 120ha (300 acres) could start to struggle on germination.

Mr Raymond reckoned there was still about 30% left to cut in the area.

“I travelled from London to Peterborough, to Chester, and back to Birmingham on the train yesterday (16 September), and I couldn’t believe how much wheat is left to cut.

“The crops north of Birmingham are still looking fairly bright.”

Crop: Spring barley
Variety: Westminster
Area: 120ha (300acres)
Yield: 7t/ha (2.85t/acre)

Crop: Winter wheat
Variety: Oakley, Alchemy, Robigus, and Gladiator
Area: 129ha (320 acres)
Yield: 10t/ha (4t/acre)

Crop: Winter barley
Varieties: Flagon, Suzuka, Carat and Retriever
Area: 113ha (279 acres)
Yield: 8.4t/ha (3.4t/acre)

Crop: Oilseed rape
Varieties: Grace, Bravo, Excel and Excalibur
Area: 120ha (300 acres)
Yield: 4.3/ha (1.75t/acre)