Work continues

While the second half of last week was not as dry as forecasted here, rainfall amounts were not very high in many areas and a day of soaking, sunshine and a nice breeze got drills out again quite quickly. Overall planting progress is very variable, with some growers in the south now finished while others have barely 20% planted.

Decisions about further winter planting must take account of the three-crop rule, seed availability for spring planting and any consequences for your rotation.

Planting

Many are questioning November planting, especially of winter barley. I believe that winter barley is more about the field and the geography than the calendar. However, growers are right to question this crop now, especially in areas where less growth is likely over the winter months. This has always enabled late October and November barley planting in southern counties.

For those still intending to plant barley, it seems likely that the hybrids should cope better with establishment challenges from here on. Seeding rates will still be around 220-225 seeds/m2, as you will still have to treat for pests regardless of seeding rate. And these six-rows have an ability to recover from lower density providing soil fertility is good.

Oat planting might be considered for another week or two, providing there are other crops being planted in the vicinity to help dilute crow activity. Plant at up to 450 seeds/m2, which is about 180 kg/ha (11.5 st/ac) for 40g TGW seed.

Many growers concentrated on winter barley planting up to now with the hope of getting wheat planted in November. Others concentrated on wheat because conditions were always marginal for planting. Wheat will cope a bit better in such marginal conditions.

Plant around or above 350 seeds/m2 to establish 250 plants, as there will be some plant loss over winter. This equates to 175kg/ha (11st/ac) with 50g TGW seed. Increase seed rate in poorer conditions but crop protection may still be needed post planting.

Where possible, prioritise first crop situations after beans/peas, rape or maize as these are high yield potential slots. However, getting in after maize or potatoes may be difficult to impossible now. Dress seed for second wheats with Latitude.

Slugs

Earlier sown crops have established well and they continue to grow. High slug numbers are reported in areas so these need to be monitored and treated where necessary. High slug activity could be very serious when sowing in marginal conditions where seeds are exposed, as they can cause serious seed hollowing to hit establishment.

Consider using slug traps to check for activity. Traps should be based on a raised container, like an inverted flower pot base (or soup bowl), rather than a flat surface like a slate. Put a food source like Alpen or a finely ground meal under each trap and check these every two to three days. If you get two to three slugs per trap, apply pellets immediately to help minimise seed hollowing.