The crop plots at this year’s Cereals Event, which will take place at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire, are reportedly progressing well and just waiting for some more spring weather.
This is according to data from Sencrop weather stations, which are been utilised for the first time to monitor conditions on the ground.
“Temperatures have been warmer, at around 14 degrees Celsius, and not too much rain, which has been good for spraying activities,” says Mark Herriman, account executive at Sencrop.
“The crop plots have a full suite of weather stations collecting data on rain, wind and solar – so rather than relying on information from a single source or a forecasting app, there is a full range of information specific to the trial plots,” he added.
Winter cropping
Will Davies, farming consultant at Ceres Rural, said that winter oilseed rape plots are fast approaching flowering and the netting, which has protected crops from birds over winter, is now being removed.
“The plots are starting to stand up tall – the oilseed rape has received a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) and fungicide and will be in flower shortly. Monitoring for Pollen Beetle is ongoing,” he said.
The winter-sown crops are developing well and approaching growth stage 30, Mr Davies explained. “The cereals will receive a growth regulator and fungicide shortly. Rust pressure is low at present, but overwintered Septoria is present.”
There has been no shortage of moisture since the crops were established. Since the oilseed was planted there has been 535ml of rain – an interesting point, according to Mr Davies, as March saw just 71ml and February was very dry.
Spring cropping
Spring crops have been established in good conditions, with plenty of soil moisture according to Mr Davies. “These have all had their fertiliser where required, and the February-drilled plots are up in-row and will now progress quickly in the milder weather.”
Mr Herriman added that overall, the crops were progressing well. “The rain is starting to ease off, giving the ground a chance to dry out – hopefully we will get some nice spring weather with enough rain to promote growth.”
April saw the drilling of the final few crop plots, as well as the final fertiliser applications and getting herbicides, PGRs and fungicides applied.
Cereals takes place on the 13th and 14th of June. For more information and tickets go to www.cerealsevent.co.uk