Land still good

It was quite a dry week in most parts of the country as frost replaced rain to drop air and soil temperatures below normal for the time of year.

Interestingly normal rainfall levels for December would now bring most of the country up to average annual rainfall level according to Met data.

Some western stations would exceed normal while some eastern stations would end up with a dry year.

Land remains sticky and so it is difficult to get a chance to apply sprays. Growth is stopped for the time being.

Planting

While we are now definitely in the dormant season there is still an occasional grower doing a little planting where conditions are dry enough.

But you should only plant where you have either small areas to finish a field or because you have seed on hand that may not keep. December planting could take up to six weeks to emerge.

Stubble

Vegetation can be burned off now in December but it is still advisable to have vegetation growing on land if the plants present do not pose a BYDV or weed seed threat. If weeds are seeding or if volunteer cereals are carrying BYDV or aphids then burning off is good husbandry.

Tillage management: soil testing, EPA and diary dates

Tillage management: temperatures drop should end planting opportunities

The recent cold spell has effectively brought growth to a halt but it should also help decrease aphid activity for the time being to minimise BYDV risk.