The AgInflation Index published by AF Group's buying office ,which sources more than £250m of agricultural goods for its members annually, is generated using data equivalent to 10pc of the UK's farm inputs.The figures are calculated on 130 items bought by the co-op for it's membership of around 3000 farmers.

The latest calculation showed that the total cost of farming inputs increased by 21.86pc between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021 and shows little sign of easing in the near future.

Virtually no part of the farming industry avoided the impact but Fertiliser increases by 51.2pc and Fuel at 79.9pc were unprecedented according to AF.

AF chief executive David Horton-Fawkes said:

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"We are deeply concerned about the impact of these high rates of agricultural inflation on our members and there has never been a stronger case or a better time for UK farmers to collaborate and work together.

"Inflation is not slowing down and it’s only by working together that we will be able to overcome the biggest challenges to farming for 50 years."