No spring yet: I note with interest as we pass the mid-point in March that most tillage areas are at just over half their ‘average’ rainfall amount for the month. So, in theory, we might expect to be working were it not for the very wet February and the legacy it has left. But many tillage areas now report a falling water table, as rivers ease back into their normal courses once again.

It may be of interest to note that our weather was somewhat similar this time last year when wet prevented planting. But it is generally colder this year and there is much more planting to be done. However, as we push into the second half of this month there is a growing expectation that the window for work is getting closer.

Perhaps the only good thing that might be said about recent weather patterns is that most recent cold springs have been good for yield potential. It might be dangerous to read too much into this comment but we need some reassurance to remain enthusiastic.

Planting: There was an amount of work done on the land in places last week, mainly ploughing, but this was barely possible in other areas. Still there is now a fair bit of ploughing done ahead of the drive to plant. For most, the ability to plant may still be over a week away but it can come around very quickly so there is need to be ready.

At this point in the year it is important to wait for conditions to be right before planting. Crops sown in the coming weeks will need to grow fast at some point in the year so seedbed quality, placement of fertiliser and soil pH need to be correct.

The priority is to get spring beans, wheat and oats planted. Plant beans based on thousand seed weight at around 35 seeds/m2 – 175 to 210kg/ha (11-13 st/ac) with seed at 450g to 550g TGW. Plant spring wheat at 320-350 seeds/m2 or 145-175 kg/ha (9-11 st/ac) (45-50g TGW). Target oats at about 350-400 seeds/m2 – 125-150 kg/ha for 35g seed (8-9 st/ac). Check seed size to guide seeding rate to optimise seed cost.

Drill malting barley at 325-350 seeds/m2 – 145-160kg/ha (9.5-10st/ac) for 45g TGW seed – aim to establish at least 300 plants/m2.

Fertilise all crops based on recent soil test results. Soil pH is critical, especially for beans and barley. Combine drill some of the fertiliser, where possible, but you can broadcast some of the compound if using high rates.

There should be some P & K close to or beside the seed to drive early growth. Roll post sowing once conditions are good enough.

Replanting patches in winter crops should not be undertaken until after all spring crops are sown. In the past, spring-sown patches had to be marked as separate temporary parcels for BPS stating the area and crop. Unless an area is big enough, it may be best left as is.

Fertiliser: All winter crops should have received a basic fertiliser dressing by now. This is critical for when growth starts and many crops are showing visible growth.