All tillage farmers welcomed the rain last weekend, however the Midlands, East and North East (NE) of the country received only 10-20mm, depending on location. This rain made a visible difference in some crops; however for many, the subsequent drying wind meant that this rain passed largely unnoticed. Growers feel that there is irreversible damage caused by the dry weather and yield potential is lost.

WINTER WHEAT

The NE is the largest wheat growing area is the country, but only one third of the usual area was planted; with some autumn sown crops needing to be replanted in Spring 20 due to our wet winter and poor establishment. Crops of wheat are variable; however earlier planted crops are faring out the best. A proportion of winter wheat was spring sown and these crops are slower to progress. Septoria levels are low due to little disease pressure; however some varieties are showing Yellow Rust, in particular Bennington, followed by Torp. Looking forward, although disease pressure is currently low, we recommend keeping crops clean to ensure maximum yield potential can be achieved. There is still a big window from now until we reach harvest and there will surely be some rain over the coming weeks which could lead to ideal disease conditions.

SPRING WHEAT

The spring wheat area is significantly increased and these crops are also variable due to stress related factors created by the dry weather. Spring wheat crops vary from mid tillering to GS32. Again earlier sown crops are looking the best. Yellow Rust is evident in some varieties, but the level is low with the disease showing up as individual pustules rather than stripes. Be aware that Chilham is prone to Mildew.

WINTER BARLEY

All head sprays should be completed at this point and the weather is currently favourable for grain fill. Earlier sown crops are faring best; while later sown crops, in poorer soil conditions, are thin. Only about 30% of the winter barley area was planted last autumn. Crops are very clean; there was some Net Blotch early on; however the main worry from now on is Ramularia which thrives in stressed crops.

SPRING BARLEY

Spring barley acreage is significantly increased this season. Early sown crops were sown in ideal conditions and are looking good. Crops sowed in tougher, “cloddy” ground are quite thin in places. However flat rolling post establishment helped tiller these crops along with timely plant growth regulation during mid tillering. Crops which got all their Nitrogen early (as soon as tramlines were visible) and got rain are looking the best. Crops vary from mid tillering to GS31/32 with an odd early sown crop starting to show awns. Crops are under quite a lot of stress and manganese deficiency is quite evident in most crops. Foliar treatment is necessary. Most crops have received, or are due their first fungicide (T1) of Decoy + Comet or Coyote along with a herbicide spray. Weeds were slow to come this spring and wild oats may have to be sprayed on their own in the coming days. Please avoid spraying in this hot weather as crops are under significant stress. If/where spraying is necessary do so early in the morning or late in the evening. Both disease pressure & growth are currently low; so we must remain patient.

WINTER / SPRING OATS

About half the normal winter oat crop was planted while the spring crop area has double this year. Winter crops are heading out but are quite short. Crops are generally disease free but there is Crown Rust in some crops. Spring crops range from mid tillering to GS32/33 and look to be coping well. These better crops are actively scavenging for moisture and nutrients. Foliar Potash and Manganese are both critically important for Oats going forward to help increase root mass and structure. Oats will receive our own Drummonds SUPER K + (3l/ha) foliar potash feed at panicle emergence which will help these crops reach their optimum yield potential along with the most appropriate fungicide treatment.

BEANS

Beans in most areas are looking well especially those sown early. These early sown crops are just beginning to flower and are due their first fungicide along with SuperPhite Pro (1.5 l/ha) for extra mildew control. Beans have large tap roots and are coping relatively well in this drought. Nodulation in most crops appears good. Signs of the ground frost we got in mid-May are evident on some leaves.