Much of the Leinster area got the worst of the rain last week but some land needed it badly. The recent weather patterns appear to be good for growth and most crops appear to be doing well.

However, it is obvious that some of the patches in spring fields that were worst affected by the long dry spell have been slow to recover.

Some of these are not just thin but they remain relatively pale, suggesting that the root system continues to have difficulty accessing essential nutrients.

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Crops continue to grow rapidly and this is especially evident in spring crops. Most tillage areas received 2in to 3in of rain in May and that should be more than enough for crops. Now let’s hope for fresh bright weather for flowering and grain fill.

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In the fields: most crops remain clean and show good potential

Tackling a yellow rust epidemic

Dry weather does not equal disease-free crops

Tillage management: spring crops

Tillage management: winter cereals