Ground conditions will be key. I would still plant most crops but it is late for winter barley.

Some merchants state that they will not take seed returns after the end of this month.

Lower temperatures, questionable conditions and lower establishment rates necessitate higher seed rates from here on.

While there may still be good sowing opportunities, the prospect of poorly established gappy crops is not conducive to high yields or low cost.

Late planting might be confined to wheat and oats at seed rates around or above 375 seeds/m2 for wheat, and perhaps up to 450 seeds/m2 for oats, given the possible pressure from birds. 375 seeds/m2 requires 1,200kg/ha (13st/ac) for wheat with 55g TGW.

For oats, 450 seeds/m2 requires 180kg/ha (11.5st/ac) with 40g TGW.

Rates should be increased where establishment is likely to be lower.

Read more

Tillage farming management: pest control

New date set for glyphosate decision

Tillage management notes: weather and slugs

Pictures and podcast: grain protest heading for Guinness Storehouse