Work up to date: Last week’s rain was welcome but it was not enough for many farmers across much of the northern half of the country. In many of these regions the Met Éireann numbers show only 13mm and 20mm for the month of April, between 25% and 35% of normal. This leaves a lot of land quite dry, but the impact depends on the crops being grown. Rainfall levels were much more favourable further south.

The dry weather was also generally warm for growth and most field work is now up to date. Planting of all crops is virtually complete, making this a relatively early planting season overall despite the late start.

Winter barley: Virtually all barley crops are now at awns-emerging stage so it will shortly be time to think about the final fungicide. However, awns visible could still be a bit away from awns emerging which is the preferred stage for the final fungicide. So, have the fungicides on hand and watch the forecast and growth stage for ongoing spraying opportunities.

In general crops are quite clean but there is always some disease about and ramularia is always a threat, especially if the crop comes under stress. At the moment that could be dryness, but in a few days’ time it could be cold.

Final sprays must include a contact active like chlorothalonil or folpet for ramularia control. Try some folpet on a tramline or field as it will be very important next season. Sprays should include a triazole, plus either an SDHI or a strobilurin. Try to alternate the triazole in the last versus any earlier spray. Product options include Bontima, Ceriax, Elatus Era, Fandango, Mandarin, Siltra, Variano, Zephyr etc.

Winter wheat: This crop is either side of third-last leaf fully emerged and so it is time for the T1 fungicide. Some sprays were applied last week and others are going on this week. The only way to get this timing right is to split out all the leaves on the main stem. This is particularly important on February-sown crops, which may have one leaf less and so have the third-last leaf emerging at GS31 rather than GS32.

T1 fungicide options include Ascara, Elatus Era, Lentyma, Splice or Venture Extra. Mixtures of an SDHI plus prothioconazole and a contact might also be used, and possibly some growth regulator if you have pushed crops hard.

Some varieties had shown some yellow rust earlier in the season. If this is still active at fungicide application, add in fenpropimorph to help bring it under control faster.

Spring crops: Most crops are growing well and any remaining nitrogen top dressing should be applied ahead of rain between the two-leaf stage and mid-tillering. This might be up to the start of stem extension for wheat and oats.

Some farmers are experiencing problems with leather-jackets. Rolling may be the only action that can be taken. A tighter seedbed should slow movement and their ability to cause damage. If you must roll an emerged crop, drive perpendicular to the direction of sowing to get more tightening.