Winter without doubt

It is not often that we know for certain that winter is with us but the recent combination of rain and cold make it pretty certain. There are now very few fields where machines can travel and the brakes would appear to have been put on forward crops.

We can now surely say that pressure from BYDV will have eased or ceased for crops that would only have come under attack in recent weeks.

But one can never rule out the fact that infection may have already taken place and be spreading in crops that were at risk two- to -five weeks ago.

Soil temperatures are now around or below normal for the time of year. Before you close down for Christmas, take a walk around your crops paying particular attention for disease incidence, weed presence and signs of pest activity. It is important to know what might have survived your weed programme so you can be prepared for spring action.

Some quick checks

If you haven’t already done so, this is a good time to tick a few boxes for things that need to be done. Most are basic and routine things like anti-freeze in the sprayer and all water-cooled engines, creaks in sheds that may result from a missing bolt or nail and ensure that swinging, sliding and roller doors are solidly attached and mounted.

With the sprayer, ensure that the anti-freeze liquid is pumped into all the boom sections and pressure relief hoses, as well as filters, inspection glasses etc. It cannot protect where it is not placed.

Make sure that anything lying around the yard is either bolted down or that it will not move in high winds. Make sure that all rodent bait points are baited and pay particular attention to wiring looms on tractors, combines, balers and anything else that might have grain spilled on to it.

Essential records

Now that field and farmyard work is virtually at a halt, except for those involved in horticultural crops, it is essential to ensure that your 2018 records are up to date and accurate. While field records are important, nitrate and chemical records are essential for cross compliance.

Many growers may not yet have been asked to supply either chemical or fertiliser records but it is essential to have these and to know that they must comply with allowances and recommendations.

Your fertiliser record should show your N and P allowance for every parcel calculated across your entire holding. This is influenced by relevant soil test results, the crop grown and either historic crop yield levels or stocking rate depending on the field use. The sum of all these N and P allowances are then added to give your farm N and P allowances.

The N and P applied as artificial or organic fertiliser from either purchases or stock from 2017 (excluding any carryover into 2019) should not exceed your farm allowances for each nutrient. It is much better if this is done ahead of the season so if you are completing your 2018 records now you should also consider doing your 2019 fertiliser allowances.