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The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday and British Summer Time comes to an end.

For some, although probably not many NFU members, it means an extra hour’s snooze under the duvet. But while farmers might not get the lie-in, they have nonetheless often been seen as staunch supporters of the winter setback.

Not so. NFU director of strategy Martin Haworth said: “The NFU of England and Wales has no strong views on whether we should or should not put the clocks back. The last time we tested opinion among our members there was a narrow majority in favour of lighter evenings.

“Whether an extra hour’s daylight would be more beneficial in the morning or the evening depends very much on the work pattern on each individual farm. If a firm proposal was made to put the clocks forward, in order to reduce road accidents, for example, or reduce energy consumption, we would need to consult our members - but at this stage we are keeping an open mind.”