It was about this time last year that things began to improve following the very wet winter. Hopefully we get land dry enough to work over the next few weeks but the recent wet has resulted in patches in winter crops following the prolonged flooding.

Now that we are in the second half of March it is better to wait for good planting conditions. From here on we want crops growing at full pace post emergence. This requires a good seedbed with good root soil contact, adequate fertilisation and good plant protection.

Septoria conference

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While the weather looks like picking up, grain growers should try to attend Teagasc’s Septoria Conference next Wednesday 22 March. While on-going septoria control is essential for wheat growers, the messages of the day apply equally to all other cereal diseases and the same principles will be needed by growers to protect these crops. It could be the best €30 you ever spend. Booking is available online.

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Tillage management: spring crops

Tillage management: winter crops