There are no shortcuts to keep crows out once they get hungry. Once large numbers settle on a field it takes all you’ve got to shift them permanently.

Small numbers may only be picking up grubs – large flocks will inevitably be digging up seeds or even plants post emergence, even if they are not the primary target.

Damage by crows is likely to get more intense as they get hungrier. Recently planted crops are more likely to be targeted initially but we have seen established crops being attacked in winters past.

The recent warm damp soil conditions have resulted in a lot of slug activity and crop damage already. Seed hollowing could be an additional problem on recently planted crops where slug numbers are high and seed cover poor.

Slug traps

It is always sensible to put down traps immediately after drilling to assess slug activity. A slug trap should be an inverted flowerpot base with a little bait beneath.

The simplest bait might be a little bit of Alpen breakfast muesli. Check the traps 2-4 days after putting them down to get a handle on numbers and activity.

Continue to watch all crops for signs of slug activity -- even juveniles can cause serious damage. Damage is also possible in established crops but recently sown crops are most at risk.

Rabbits and crows

Recent mild winters have helped maintain high numbers of rabbits and crows. Do what you can to get numbers down before serious damage occurs.

For rabbits this will involve some combination of shooting, burrow treatment, etc or netted wire fencing in extreme situations.

Treatment may be necessary but ensure that you have identified the problem correctly. Rabbits, hares and deer graze off the leaf tips and remove them.

Slugs graze along the leaf between the veins to leave a stringy appearance.

Where slug treatment is necessary, apply products like Axcela or Metarex Inov or Traxx or Destroyer etc. Rates need to be robust where activity is evident.

You may also get damage from mice and rats around by hedges at this time of year.

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Tillage management notes: good planting progress