EARLY samples of winter wheat from Yorkshire farms are generally poor quality, according to Mark Smith, senior grain trader at Dalgety Kenneth Wilson, although later wheats have been more encouraging.

The Yorkshire harvest has been considerably delayed by the recent spate of wet weather and only 40pc of the crop has been cut in the lowlands. Higher up on the Yorkshire Wolds only 10pc of the wheat crop has been taken in. And further north in County Durham, the harvest is only just starting.

Mr Smith says: "A key feature of this year's wheat harvest has been the generally low Hagbergs as well as widely differing protein levels. Yields have also been extremely variable; ranging from less than two tonnes per acre to 4.5 tonnes.

"Although it's too early to be drawing overall conclusions, it's likely that yields will generally be lower than last year," he says.

Winter barley harvest is now all but complete and results show extremely variable yield and quality. "Of course, given this season's conditions it was a much smaller crop anyway, but short-term demand was filled without drama," adds Mr Smith.

Spring barley harvesting is well underway in the Vale of York and should be complete or nearly so by now (week 35). But elsewhere, in the key malting areas on the wolds, harvest is only about 10-15pc through and - once again - there are some highly variable yields.

"It looks as though nitrogen levels are generally higher this year. The export market will, therefore, be particularly important as these characteristics are ideal for continental-style lagers. Already, two shipments of spring barley - destined for Germany - have been agreed and will be sailing from Hull very soon," concludes Mr Smith.

Updated: 09:51 Thursday, August 30, 2001