More planting opportunities: The few fine days have once again resulted in a flurry of field activity up and down the country. Many drills were out for the first time and there were also a good few sprayers out to catch up on winter work and apply herbicide to spring beans.

Ground conditions are generally good but sometimes not as good as anticipated. Recently ploughed fields may need a bit of drying time before drilling.

Crows are very active in some sown fields so some action may be advisable. Rolling remains the best first action as it makes it easier to see the extent of any damage being done. Crows are also now pulling up bean sprouts as they make their way up from good deep planting. So keep an eye on all planted fields.

There are some poor winter crops out there following heavy rain post late planting. A decision will have to be made shortly as to whether to leave them or replant. This is increasingly urgent for spring wheat as March ends.

Winter crops: Crops seem to be growing well and show a better colour than a few weeks ago. Most field activity will be based on fertilizer and overdue herbicide application where sprays could not be applied in the autumn.

There is always an unknown and unquantifiable risk of BYDV in mild winters where no aphicide was applied in the autumn. The risk may be greater where there was a lot of stubble growth prior to planting and in higher risk areas. Spring aphicides have shown benefit at times in the past so it will be up to each grower to assess that risk to specific fields and decide accordingly.

All crops should have received their first nitrogen dressing at this point (with sulphur). The more forward crops moving into stem extension, especially barley, might now be ready for a second application. It may not be too long before forward rape crops need their final flowering nitrogen.

BPS applications: Most will know that we have been given a bit of leeway on the deadline for GLAS and BPS application. This should not be used as an excuse to delay getting yours completed as soon as possible. There can be a fair bit of work in getting a tillage application sorted, especially where greening and EFA is involved.

If you will depend on landscape features like hedges, drains and buffers, then do your adviser/consultant the favour of checking all field boundaries in advance of your appointment. You need to be certain about what features exist at each parcel boundary and to know what hedges are dividing your parcels or are boundary hedges.

Using your printed maps, list all the features that you have for EFA and check that features marked on the maps actually exist. Remember, you need to have at least 5% EFA after you have made all necessary adjustments to your online parcels. It is preferable to have closer to 7% EFA in case some of what you enter is rejected.