Harvest was about 95% complete in the West Midlands, according to Shropshire Grain’s Julian Walker.

“There’s not a lot of wheat left to be done,” he said. Yields were slightly below average, and quality was unusually variable this year. “But the majority of milling varieties will make milling grade of some sort or another.”

Winter and spring barley yields had been disappointing, but oilseed rape crops had done well, said Mr Walker. “Yields have averaged 4-4.4t/ha (1.6-1.8t/acre) and oils have been high at about 43%.”

Oat quality was indifferent, with high screenings and low bushel weights of 43-47kg/hl, he said. “But yields have been pretty good at 6.2-6.8t/ha (2.5-2.75t/acre).”

• Crop: Oilseed rape
  
• Yield: 4-4.4t/ha (1.6-1.8t/acre)
  
• Oil content: 43%

• Crop: Oats
  
• Yield: 6.2-6.8t/ha (2.5-2.75t/acre)
  
• Specific weight: 43-47kg/hl