It must be a month ago that I suggested using the conditions of the time to get some planting done. That may or may not have been good advice at the time but most land is now too wet to be planted in the next week or two. But, as always, a few days of good drying can make a massive difference in March. Stubble ground may help with quicker access for planting.

Planting

This would not appear to be a real priority for the moment but it is important to be ready when conditions permit. So have some seed on hand just in case because opportunities normally occur at the weekend.

Beans and spring wheat will be the priority but malting barley will be high on the agenda for many growers. Spring oats should also be sown early where possible. You might consider taking a chance with seedbed conditions for wheat, oats or beans but do not compromise on good conditions when planting spring barley or rape.

A good seedbed remains more important for all crops than being able to just say that the job is done. So don’t muck in spring crops just to have them sown – profit is hard earned.

Whether to plant specific acres or not remains a valid question. Poor prices, and prospects which are no better, must force this question every year before planting. Fallow is an option for crop diversification, if necessary. Price prospects may improve which makes high-yielding land worth the risk but not land with poor yield potential.

Plant beans by seed number and target around 35 seeds/m2. This will require 175-210kg/ha (11-13st/ac) where seed is between 450g to 550g TGW. Get fertiliser into the seedbed at planting, where possible. There is still time to get beans planted but you will need to grab the first opportunity. Soil pH is a critical factor (need pH 7) so get this sorted before planting.

Aim to plant spring wheat at about 300-350 seeds/m2 or 150-180kg/ha (10-12st/ac) (assuming 45-50g TGW). Drill barley at 350-375 seeds/m2 – 155-170kg/ha (10-12st/ac) (45g seed). Target oats at about 350-400 seeds/m2 – 125-150kg/ha for 35g seed (8-9st/ac).

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Tillage management: fertiliser and sprayer testing