Slugs

They remain active and are causing problems in some fields. But they are not everywhere so inspect and treat where necessary.

Variable establishment is increasingly evident in late sown crops – act before it’s too late. Apply a 50% to 70% rate of products like Axcela or Metarex or any of the other products with good formulations.

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Some fields still only have patchy problems.

Establishment

Check establishing crops for signs of all pests. Some fields are thin by hedges – could be mice or rats or even slugs/snails coming from the ditch.

Keep an eye out for crows as they can still attack looking for seeds post emergence if they are hungry enough.

Cold conditions could drive this when the ground is not frozen. Rabbit grazing could become evident too but there is little you can do except to reduce numbers in every way possible.

Soil testing

This remains the most basic and important task for good husbandry. A soil test is only valid for four years under nitrates.

You should always be aware of the base fertility of every field you are farming. High yields are somewhat easier to achieve where soil fertility is good in healthy soil.

Soil tests help you to make better decisions.

Read more

Tillage management: Increasing challenge for establishing winter crops