Around 15% of the UK wheat crop had been harvested by Tuesday this week, according to ADAS’ latest harvest report.

Wet weather at the end of last week had halted progress, however the current dry spell has meant progress has continued well, with a favourable weather forecast for the coming weeks.

During the period from 14-20 August, the weather was mostly dry, however showers were more persistent in the west and north.

Wheat yields have so far been close to the average: 7.6-7.8 tonnes per hectare, with milling samples meeting specification.

Charlotte Garbutt, senior analyst - cereal and oilseed, HGCA, told British Baker earlier this week that some of the better crops are likely being harvested now, as they would have been planted in more preferable conditions. "Early quality reports have shown improvement on last year," she added.

For more information, see the latest issue of British Baker out today (23 August).

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