Weather: Rainfall has been very heavy for November across the country. In Oakpark, rainfall for November was at 110.1mm, 17.6mm above the November long-term average.

Johnstown Castle saw 237.2mm, 122.2mm above the November long-term average. Cork Airport had 203.7mm of rain in November this year, compared to the long-term average for the month of 127mm. Dublin airport had 119.2mm in November, compared to the long-term average of 82.7mm.

Interestingly, Johnstown Castle is now above the long-term average annual rainfall with a month to go in the year, while Cork and Dublin Airports are nearly at the long-term average for the year.

All in all, November has been a wet month, which we all knew before looking at the figures, and there is a lot of drying to do for fieldwork to be done.

Keep an eye on fields and wet patches if more rain comes and try clear away those patches and note where drainage or some clearing may be needed. Keep an eye out for slugs and crows in crops that are not well established.

Ploughing: You are allowed to plough or spray from 1 December on land that was cultivated after harvest, or anywhere that was not cultivated if a crop is being sown immediately.

You cannot plough or spray cover crops for ACRES or the Farming for Water Programme.

Glyphosate: Where using glyphosate you need to use correct rates and consider the product that you are using. Teagasc research has shown that generic products are not all created equally to Roundup, and that there is variation between generic products.

Ideally, glyphosate should be applied when temperatures are warm and plant growth is active. You might also use a water conditioner if you are spraying with hard water.

You should note the maximum total dose of glyphosate allowed on stubble in a 12-month period is 1,440g/ha or 4l/ha of 360g/l glyphosate. You need a full rate to control scutch, while you need 540g/ha to control most annual grass weeds according to Teagasc. However, weeds like blackgrass and Italian ryegrass need a higher rate.

For annual meadow grass and spring wild oats, the rate is 540g/ha or 1.5l/ha of glyphosate. For brome, canary grass, blackgrass and Italian ryegrass Teagasc recommends farmers who apply generic glyphosate products should use higher rates than if they are applying Roundup products. Bromes and canary grass require 720g/ha (2l/ha) of generic products and 540g/ha of Roundup. Blackgrass and Italian ryegrass require 1,080g/ha (3l/ha) of generic product or 720g/ha of Roundup.

If plants are large, then a rate of 1,080g/ha is recommended across the board. Please note that if you are using a stronger strength product like 450g/l of glyphosate you need to calculate the rate accordingly.

Payments: The Straw Incorporation Measure payments are to commence on 16 December. Protein Aid payments are currently issuing.Keep an eye out that all BISS and CRISS payments are in as well.