Rainfall level:

A few weeks ago, it looked unlikely that we would get even close to normal rainfall level for the year. With just over a week to go, this seems less unlikely. While the majority of met stations in tillage regions are still 50mm, or more, lower than the 30-year average, another burst of heavy rain could bring us as close to average as makes no difference. Soil temperatures remain above normal but they have dropped a little.

Ploughing:

There has been a good bit of ploughing done in places but perhaps not a lot in total given the relatively good ground conditions in recent weeks. As always, early ploughing will benefit from any form of pressing or tickling as this helps to tighten the sods to help retain frost tilth on top during spring cultivations.

Soil testing:

Soil test results must be no more than four years old to be valid if you need to apply more than Index 3 levels of fertiliser, especially phosphorous. Index 3 is default if you do not have a recent test. All land needs up-to-date soil test results to guide the efficient use of nutrients.

This is a good time to take soil samples provided land is not too wet, especially for spring crops or land that has not yet received P or K. Lime remains the most critical input so get this right as a priority. If the pH is low then you will get less benefit from the expensive applied fertiliser nutrients and we cannot afford bad value in this regard. While low grain prices are not conducive to big spending, you can get hammered on yield without adequate fertiliser and that is counterproductive. Fix your lime status and then fertilise based on soil test results and recent off-take levels. It is best to leave poor fertility land out of grain production.

Keep an eye out: As well as keeping an occasional eye on your crops, watch out for your neighbours too. 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.

Dates for your diary:

The CAFRE/UAS/UFU arable conference ‘‘Adapting to Change’’ takes place in Greenmount College on Tuesday 10 January. Speakers will deal with issues such as Brexit, agrochemical and fertiliser use, changing farming practices, markets and forward planning. Throw- in is at 9.30am and the conference fee of £25 includes lunch and tea. Booking should be done online by 5 January.

The Teagasc national tillage conference takes place on 26 January in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny.

US farm internship: The ITLUS/Rosenbohm farm internship will take place again in 2017. It is open to members of ITLUS and UAS and applications will be available on ITLUS and UAS websites in the New Year.