Good progress: It would seem that overall planting progress has been good, despite rain and variable showers. Drying was reasonable at times and this was needed to undo recent soft and sticky rain. While many growers have now completed winter planting, most would appear to have at least 80% planted, which compares well with around 20% this time last year.

Planting: While November planting must rightly be questioned, it is worth remembering that at the end of October last year, we still had 30% of our average rain to fall. This year, that percentage is 10-15%, if annual rainfall ends up close to the 30-year average.

Temperature is another variable. Backend growth is important for barley but wheat can sit there for longer. This is why later planting is safer in southern counties, as higher temperatures nearly always drive a level of growth over winter.

For those still intending to plant winter barley, it seems likely that hybrids should cope better with establishment conditions from here on. Aim to establish around 200-225 plants/m2 from 100-115kg seed/ha at 92% establishment and 45g/1,000 seeds.

Oat planting will be considered for a few more weeks, providing there are other crops being planted in the vicinity to dilute the risk from crows. Plant at 135-155kg/ha to establish 330 plants/m2 at 88% establishment from 35g and 40g seed.

Plant wheat around 155-170kg/ha to establish 275-300 plants/m2 from 50g seed (90% establishment) as there will still be some plant loss over winter. Increase seed rate further in poorer conditions. Prioritise planting first wheats, as these are high yield potential slots. Add maize and potatoes to that list where they can be harvested. Seconds wheats can safely be sown now.

BYDV: The aphid risk must be taken seriously on early-sown crops. Some crops are already sprayed with aphicide, while others are due to be sprayed this week. Using Syngenta’s BYDV Assist app, a field in Kildare emerged on 3 October should be sprayed for aphids on 30 October. The recent drop in temperature will slow multiplication and migration, at least temporarily. But a level of risk must be assumed until we know better.

Pests: Earlier-sown crops have established well and they continue to grow. In most fields, slugs and crows are not a problem for the moment. Slug activity is not very high at present and crows have not been a problem up to now. But this could change suddenly.

With establishment likely to take longer as the ground gets colder, it is likely that crows will become a bigger problem. Keep an eye out for them in recently planted and emerging crops, as big numbers can do significant harm, even in a short period.