Ground conditions: This time two years ago conditions were poor and there was a lot of planting still to be done. But that year most were trying to finish up – this year many are trying to get started. That means different decisions to be made. There was an amount of planting done early this week but we need much more good weather.

Better forecast: The week ahead is forecast to be mainly dry in the main tillage regions. This will intensify efforts to get land planted as there is a better chance it may dry adequately. Hopefully it will allow all ploughed land to be planted, with good wind speeds to help drying.

One-pass systems continue to be worked on stubble ground, but a day or two to dry is needed in many fields. It is important to get as much of the previously ploughed ground planted as possible, as future planting opportunities will depend on going in on stubble.

Air temperatures seem set to drop considerably which will lower soil temperatures. This will slow germination and establishment, which add to the challenges of later planting. Lower air temperatures may also slow drying but higher wind speeds should help, especially on dull days.

Harvesting: A dry forecast is very welcome news for potato and vegetable growers trying to harvest crops. There are also a few bits of cereal to be mopped up and quite a lot of beans also. Much of this harvesting is being done in marginal conditions, but with little choice.

Planting: Keep the focus on getting acres planted as there may be a bigger window than anticipated. As we push towards November it is important to push up seed rates a bit for the inevitable pressures that will come from a range of pests, poorer seedbeds, variable seed depth and coverage and the fact that rolling will not be possible.

There is still opportunity to plant winter barley. The calendar is not the deciding factor, it is more about ground conditions and field suitability. Barley crops planted now need to be in good fertility. Wheat and oats are less fussy.

Plant winter barley at around 380 seeds/sq metre for conventional varieties to establish close to 350 plants; aim to establish at least 180 plants/sq metre for hybrids (drill 220-225 seeds/sq metre). Hybrids may have an advantage when planted late in marginal conditions.

Plant wheat around or above 350 seeds/sq metre to establish over 280 plants/sq metre as there will be some level of plant loss through the winter. 350 seeds/sq metre for wheat requires 175 kg/ha (11 st/ac) with 50g TGW seed.

Plant oats at up to 450 seeds/sq metre now as there is likely to be ongoing pressure from birds. Planting 450 seeds requires 180 kg/ha (11.5 st/ac) for 40g TGW seed.

In all instances, seed rates should be increased where establishment is likely to be lower.

Where possible, prioritise first crop situations after beans/peas, rape or maize as these are high yield potential slots. Following maize or potatoes may not prove possible.