The farming industry is facing problems from recent rains

Record levels of rain in August meant much of the country's wheat could not be harvested or has been destroyed.

Lord Haskins, the government's rural adviser, has warned that the problem is causing more damage to the industry than the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) says that the weather over the next week will be make or break time for many.

Assisted payments

A spokesman said union members have met the government to discuss the issue.

He said: "It was agreed that the next week would be absolutely critical."

It is hoped that if the current fine conditions continue, farmers will be able to lessen the impact of one of the worst summers on record.

England and Wales experienced the wettest August for nearly 50 years.

However, the NFU said assisted payments would not be brought forward until the precise impact of the weather is known in 10 to 14 days.

'Atrocious'

Ian Poultney, a farmer from Gloucestershire, said: "It has been terrible and very depressing with such a wet August.

"I've been trying to harvest the crops for about five weeks but it has been so atrocious I haven't been able to get out.

"Finally, we are getting a break in the weather. It has not been a total wash-out for me, but I know it has been disastrous for some."

Traders and analysts have estimated that just 35% of Britain's crop had been harvested by 27 August.

Last year, all the crop had been collected by then.