“We‘ve received 700 tonnes of grain so far with farmers reporting that their yields are average or better than usual.”

Despite the rain Mr Brown says that they are on schedule.

“We‘re not late at all; it‘s been average so far.

“We‘re behind last year, but we’re still receiving more than the two years before 2003.”

Some of the farmers are still frustrated however. The main problem seems to lie in Nitrogen levels.

“Nitrogen levels are going up and down like a yo-yo,” commented Mr Brown.

There are also a few other problems: “Some farmers are having trouble thrashing their barley.”

Mr Brown has just started receiving rape and so far he said that its coming in dry, normally below 9% moisture.