Progress in the tillage fields as bean seed demand rises

Last weekend provided some dry weather to allow tillage farmers out to fields, but progress was slow.

Many fields were still not fit to work as land continued to dry, and others had to be chosen carefully, but overall, some progress was made – whether that was getting up to date on fertiliser or spraying of winter cereals and oilseed rape or getting farmyard manure and slurry onto ground.

A nice bit of ploughing was carried out and some sowing, but wet weather on Tuesday halted work and put a stop to it for a number of days as unsettled weather and cold temperatures dominated Wednesday and Thursday’s weather forecasts.

Some showers are also expected over the weekend and if they arrive it will slow down the return to the fields. Beans were the priority when it came to sowing.

It looks like a nice amount went in, but the vast majority of crops are yet to be planted.

Demand is rising for bean seed at present and there looks to be a shortage of bean seed as some farmers no doubt turn to the crop as they watch fertiliser prices sky rocket and know nitrogen will be one input less.

The Protein Aid Scheme payment will provide some insurance to growers.

While bean planting was not at a fast pace, spring cereal planting was slower with only small areas planted on drier ground.

A clear spell of dry weather is needed to get crops into the ground and, as April approaches, farmers will no doubt be concerned that late-sown beans will result in a late harvest.

Late-sown malting barley could also impact on protein contents.