Winter bean samples appear to be of good quality, with some regional insect damage, according to the latest report by BEPA and PGRO.

“Initial harvest indications are that bean seed size is likely to be small, but yields are potentially very good,” it said. Most spring beans crops were still about 10 days off harvest.

Although values had fallen from their peak, prices remained high, with encouraging tentative interest from the feed sector at home and abroad. “Premiums available of up to £60/t over feed wheat continue to be mentioned.”

Export markets were now showing keen demand for human consumption beans, and trade prospects looked good for the remainder of the calendar year, said the report.

“With good yields anticipated, colour, size and freedom from insect damage will be the key to securing human consumption status, with buyers giving a £25-30/t premium.”

Combining pea yields were extremely variable, with some spectacular performances and others badly affected by the hot July.

“Most peas will perform better than the five-year trend, a situation that most would have bitten off hands for when drilling,” said the report.

“Quality and yield from earlier crops has been better – later crops wilted more and bleached to a greater extent.”

Export demand remained good, with marrowfats maintaining a premium over large blues, it added.

“Yellow pea trade is still limited. Bypassed peas from the vining crops have entered the market and are also finding a home. As more pea samples are seen the full picture will emerge by the end of September.”

French bean crops were of lower quality this year, with small seed size, said the report. “The first new crop bulk vessel exports to Egypt will arrive in September, but buyers are looking to the UK crop eagerly as a result.”