Farmers had cut about 75% of winter barley and 65% of oilseed rape by Tuesday (2 August), according to the HGCA.

Despite localised showers, many regions had enjoyed seven days of combining over the past week, with a start being made on winter wheat and spring barley in the southern counties.

As of Tuesday, only about 5% of the UK wheat area had been cut, with yields so far lower than the five-year average of 7.8t/ha (3.2t/acre).

However, they varied widely from less than 4t/ha (1.6t/acre) on light land in the East, to 11t/ha (4.5t/acre) on heavier soils, and at this stage were unlikely to be representative of the whole harvest, said the report.

Early milling quality results were good, at 75-85kg/hl, over 300 Hagberg, and 12.8-13.1% protein.

Spring barley harvest was about 5% through in England and Wales, but only 2% done across the UK.

“Early yields are slightly down on average, but only a small proportion of crops have been harvested, typically those on the lightest soils.

“Dry conditions have affected the yield on light land, with some crops yielding 3.5-5t/ha (1.4-2t/acre), while heaver soils have yielded 5-7.4t/ha (2-3t/acre).”

Winter barley harvest was close to completion in southern and eastern regions, but was only just starting in Wales and Scotland, putting total UK progress at 75% – ahead of the five-year average of 60%.

“Yields are very variable, ranging from 2-9.5t/ha (0.8-3.8t/acre), but on average are around 8% lower than the five-year average at 6t/ha (2.4t/acre).

“Quality is mixed with specific weights averaging 64-70kg/hl, but malting nitrogen levels are often high, ranging from 1.6-2%. Screenings have also been high at up to 7%.”

Oilseed rape harvest was also about 15 percentage points ahead of normal, at 65% complete.

“Yields continue to be above average at 3.6-3.8t/ha (1.5t/acre), an increase of 15% on the five year average (which includes spring oilseed rape).

“As with other crops there has been a large amount of variability, with some light land crops yielding 2t/ha (0.8t/acre) compared to heavier land at up to 6t/ha (2.4t/acre).” Early oil contents ranged from 43-46%.

Oat harvest was almost 10% through, with yields ranging from 5-7.2t/ha (2-2.9t/acre).