Broken again: It might have been expected that the weather would break once we got into the planting season. However, rainfall amounts were very variable and are having an impact on ground conditions. While much of the eastern seaboard had a lot of rain last weekend, parts of the west were planting this week.

Planting: While some planting has been done, most growers have held back in response to the challenges of controlling BYDV following the loss of Redigo Deter. That said, we are now in the planting season for much of the country when ground conditions permit. However, for those with smaller winter acreages up the country and those closer to the coast or other BYDV hotspots, it would still be preferable to hold off planting until we get into October.

Drill two-row winter barley at up to 330-350 seeds/m2. The recommended list shows thousand grain weight (TGW) differences from 45g (Quadra 6R) to 57g (Valerie). This puts a spread of seeding rates from 149kg/ha (9st/ac) for 330 seeds at 45g up to 200kg/ha (12.7st/ac) for 350 seeds at 57g TGW. Conventional six-row varieties have a broadly similar seed rate to two-row types but seed size is generally smaller.

Six-row hybrids should be drilled at 200 seeds/m2 or even a little less in good conditions with early sowing. Most six-rows seem to be in the 46-49g TGW range so about 95kg/ha (6st/ac) as a guide.

Sow early wheat at around 180-200 seeds/m2. That equates to 90-100kg/ha (5.8-6.4st/ac) at 45g TGW and 92% establishment. Plant winter oats at around 350 seeds/m2 or 130kg/ha (8st/ac) for 36g seed.

Be conscious of seed size as smaller seeds mean more seeds in a kilogram or bag. And with new seed dressings set to cost more, savings in rate will help.

While development rate is often stated as important for early planting, most research indicates that yield potential runs in line with standard planting dates. However, a very fast developer like Cellule should not be planted early because it can be too fast and is now also quite susceptible to septoria.

For any early planting, select a barley with good resistance to mildew, rhyncho and net blotch or a wheat with good resistance to yellow rust, mildew and septoria, which might be Costello, Conros or Graham on the recommended list.

Roll post-planting when possible.

Good rolling helps germination, establishment, pest control, residual herbicide activity and the prevention of root roll lodging. It can also help reduce crow damage. Rolling across hills and the direction of drilling can help consolidation and reduce or prevent water erosion down the wheel tracks. Do not roll where conditions are just not good enough.

Soil testing: Up-to-date soil test results are critical to management. Land that is low in pH or basic fertility will not yield most years. It is also important to note that adding additional fertiliser is not a compensation for low soil fertility – it must be built up over time.