Almost half the national winter wheat crop is now cut in a much-delayed harvest, with only just over one quarter of spring barley combined in very difficult weather conditions.

Here is summary of a report on the harvest up to 24 August, issued by the AHDB and conducted by crop consultants Adas:

See also: Harvest 2021: Brackling and retention concerns for spring barley

Winter wheat

The harvest is 46% complete with yields currently estimated at 8-8.4t/ha.

Early indications are that specific weights tend to be on the low side at 73-77kg/hl. Hagbergs on Group 1 and 2 milling varieties have held up, and remain above 300. Protein levels are in the range of 10.5-13%.

Winter barley

The crop is 100% harvested with yields currently estimated at 6.9-7.1t/ha. Grain nitrogen levels typically range between 1.4-1.6%. Specific weights are low in most regions, typically 60-64kg/hl.

Spring barley

The harvest is 26% complete with preliminary yields currently estimated at 5.7-6.1t/ha. Early specific weights range from 62-66kg/hl. Indications are grain nitrogen levels are low, but the sample size is small.

Screenings to date are lower than winter barley, typically 1-5%.

Oats

Some 30% of the crop is cut with current winter oat yields ranging between 4.8-8.5/ha. Specific weights have generally been within milling specification, sitting between 50-55kg/hl.

Oilseed rape

The harvest is 92% complete with yields currently estimated at 3.3-3.5t/ha. Oil content is tending to be around 44%, but some low oil percentages have been reported.