Fine weather: The fine weather is helping to make the situation bearable, and there is ample time to get field work done. Some areas saw rain over the weekend which was welcomed. While the rest of the country wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re looking for rain, a drop wouldn’t be turned away.

Winter barley: Winter barley is around GS31 although some crops are as advanced as second-last leaf. All nitrogen should be out by GS32. For a two-spray programme, aim to apply a T1 now with a triazole along with a strob/SDHI. Add a PGR of either Cerone (0.5-1.0l/ha, Terpal (1.0-2.0l/ha) or Medax Max/Moddus. If you’re using Terpal, be mindful of straw contracts. Include chlorothalonil if ramularia is present. Remember the last day in which chlorothalonil is legal to use is 20 May and your spraying records must reflect this. In general, crops are clean, with small amounts of mildew, rhynco and yellow rust reported.

Winter wheat: Crop growth stages vary significantly around the country, anywhere from tillering to leaf three fully emerged. In general, few T0s have been applied this season as disease levels remained low. The exception to the case being in the crops which have had an outbreak of yellow rust, particularly in Bennington, Graham, Thorp and JD Diego varieties. Yellow rust can be ruthless and addressing it early is the key to preventing the development of a fire-brigade situation. Apply a strob or morpholine plus triazole when rust is evident, eg Opera (1l/ha). Some low-level septoria is evident in crops, but amounts are nominal. Target your T1 when leaf three is fully emerged, around GS32, aiming to apply a triazole plus SDHI (80%). Add chlorothalonil (1l/ha) into the tank and some backward crops could benefit from trace elements. Weed control should be completed by T1. Bring nitrogen up to at least 75% of the total intended application.

Leaf dissection: As always, don’t judge the stage of the crop by looks alone. Get out there and dissect your leaves to ensure your spray timings are on point.

Spring malting barley: The likelihood is that there will be a preference for distilling barley this season. While many growers have already applied their crops’ N requirements, it may still be time to adjust N rates accordingly.

For distilling barley, aim to reduce nitrogen by around 20kg N/ha to around 130kg N/ha when compared to brewing barley. However, this is somewhat site-specific as many growers choose the location to grow distilling barley based on their experience of achieving low proteins in that field.

Marketing: Grain markets are turbulent. While wheat is holding, pressure is on barley. The big unknown is maize and where its competitiveness will sit compared to wheat and barley. Growers should proactively look at selling opportunities for crop 2020, many already have. Taking some of the risk out of your business and locking in a margin could be sensible this year. Not selling forward based on information is a decision. Ignoring the options available is a gamble.