Weather

After all of the wet and the difficult second half to 2017 it looks like this year is set to be somewhat dryer than the 30-year average at Met stations across the country. Very few areas look like they can hit that average at this point but that does not make the land any dryer.

Soil temperatures are now generally below normal for the time of year so growth is unlikely to be very active. But with air temperature forecast to rise again it is possible that we could see pests like slugs become more active where numbers are high.

Ploughing

There is a good bit of ploughing going on in places with land soaking out rather than dry per se. As always, early ploughing is a bonus for seedbed quality and the ploughing itself will benefit from any form of pressing or tickling now. This helps to tighten the soil to retain more of the frost tilth on top during spring cultivations.

Farm records

Getting your records up to date for chemical and fertiliser use is an essential part of farm management. It is also a good way to help understand the basics of what is required, even if you employ someone else to do these for you. Understanding what is needed is the best way to help stay out of trouble in future.

Soil testing

A soil test in only officially valid for four years, and older or no tests default to Index 3 fertility class. That’s fine if you have good fertility but it prevents you from helping to build up your fertility where soil values are low. Indeed, being in control of your fertility really means testing every three years where a rotation is involved.

This is a good time to get soil samples taken when land is not too wet, especially for spring crops or in land that has not yet received any P or K. Lime remains the most critical input so treat this as a priority. If soil pH is low you get less benefit from expensive applied fertiliser and we cannot afford that.

Keep an eye out

As well as keeping an occasional eye on your crops, watch out for your neighbours also. This can be a tough time of year and a simple hello can be worth its weight in gold. And, most of all, stay safe and take care.

Pest control: If you are dealing with farm pests in big numbers on, say, emerging crops or on winter rape, I received a kind offer from the National Association of Game Councils (NARGC) to help provide control for farmers if needed over the coming months. The offer comes as a thank you to all farmers who allow their lands to be used by NARGC members. So if you have a problem you can contact Padraig Breen at nargc@nargc.ie or phone or text Padraig at 087 2838609.

Happy Christmas: With Christmas Day just around the corner I would like to wish all my readers a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas – Andy.