Ground conditions: Land is currently wet but this is variable and I see a few drills out in places.

This is partly land type and partly lower recent rainfall. But for most, land is just too wet to even contemplate field work.

Most tillage areas received 1.0in-1.5in of rain this month so far. A few areas were even lower and bits of planting are done. But for many it is likely to be after the middle of October before planting is likely again.

Some have already make the decision not to plant winter crops on certain difficult ground – this can be an important decision as it helps focus on what can be done. Soil temperatures are running above normal but they could still drop quickly.

Given the weather patterns all year, it is still possible that we will see a planting window open up from mid-October onwards.

Decisions on planting cut-off dates should be more driven by soil conditions and the risks associated with individual fields. Don’t let headlands dictate decisions.

Planting decisions: Most winter crops are still to be sown so it is important to set priorities for if/when planting opportunities arise.

But take care to keep your rotation intact. It would be somewhat short-sighted to opt for a single spring crop alternative and have fewer good options next autumn.

Base crop priority decisions around rotation and profitability.

For some the preferable crop is wheat, for others it may be barley while for some it will be oats. Once a planting window opens up begin with the most appropriate crop for the first field to be sown and move onto your most profitable crop when that ground is ready.

More things need to be considered as planting slips into November.

The most important might be the risk of water table issues and ponding.

Then there is the risk of slugs and crows could become the biggest threat at some point.

Crows can be area specific and highly influenced by the season and how much is being sown locally. It is unlikely that rolling will be an option to reduce these potential problems.

Establishment systems: Many growers have ploughing done and planting is likely to re-start on fresh ploughing.

Stubbles may be ready first and move onto ploughed ground when conditions permit.

Be slow to burn off stubbles now, especially on fields that are less likely to be sown, as the green cover obligation continues.

For many the automatic choice is to plough, till and sow. This has proven itself to be trusted and durable over the years but you can still cause soil damage when conditions are very marginal. While it does provide flexibility, it is also slow and is a limitation to throughput where there are limited planting opportunities.

But it may be the only relatively safe planting method on worn tight ground.

Land that is in good health with good structure may still have more planting options if it dries out enough.

On well-structured ground with lots of earthworms there may still be opportunity to min-till or even direct drill.

But the soil must be able to break and flow around the coulters to enable these systems to work. Machinery weight remains a concern.