Harvest 2014 is just about to get underway for Matthew Collins in Marazion, Cornwall, with winter barley now ready to cut.

“I’m just waiting for the sun to dry the crop out a bit and will make a start in about an hour’s time,” he said.

The winter barley, which Mr Collins was contract combining for a client, was for crimping, but was nearly ripe at 17-18% moisture.

“Our own winter barley will be ready to go next week, which is probably the earliest we’ve ever started,” he said.

“Last year we started on 24 July. But it hasn’t died off – it’s ripened naturally and looks lovely. I can’t wait to get started.”

See also: Wheat harvest could be biggest since 2008

Spring barley, however, did not look as good as last year, added Mr Collins. “I’m not sure why.”

With no oilseed rape to cut, this year’s harvest would be all winter barley, spring barley and some winter wheat. “However, the wheat is still a long way off.”

Further east in Wiltshire, co-operative store Wiltshire Grain had just received its first load today (11 July).

“We’ve had one load of oilseed rape, and several people reckon to start combining next week,” said a spokeswoman for the store. “Weather-permitting, of course.”

Although much of the UK was forecast to be dry today, rain was preventing combining in the East. The Met Office forecast locally heavy showers over the weekend, with brighter weather to follow.

See also: Upload and view photos in our Harvest Highlights 2014 gallery and see all the harvest news and resources on our Harvest Highlights news page