According to the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), winter wheat drilling is almost complete in England, Scotland and Wales.
The latest figures indicate that 27% of winter wheat was drilled in September, 46% in October and 22% in November, leaving just 5% to be planted as of November 25.
Currently, 44% of the GB winter wheat crop is deemed to be in excellent or good condition, with 9% rated as poor or very poor.
Winter wheat
Early drilled winter wheat is now well established, but the later drilled crops have faced herbicide and flood damage.
There have been questions regarding the best drill to use, as disk drills are causing significant smearing.
Some opted for tine drills, or a plough and combi-drill set up. However, some farmers experimented with broadcasting seed, using higher seed rates and these crops are looking promising.
Significantly, manganese deficiencies have been reported in sandy and light soils.
Pre-emergence herbicides applied to early-drilled crops in dry conditions have been less effective, with crops often requiring additional treatments.
Blackgrass emergence has been lower than expected, although ryegrass is becoming a bigger issue, with post-emergence timings proving challenging.
New broadleaved weeds, including those linked to cover crops, such as clovers and vetches, are emerging and will require management later in the season.
In addition, post-emergence herbicide timings have been compromised by the challenging weather conditions.
Concerns have also been raised with regards to the performance of some products.
Slugs are a significant issue across all crops, but particularly following oilseed rape (OSR). There has been high usage of slug pellets due to elevated risk levels and ongoing leaf stripping.
Winter barley
According to AHDB, the drilling of winter barley is almost complete in GB: 54% of crops were drilled in September, 33% in October and 9% in November.
At the end of November, 57% of the GB winter barley crop was in excellent/good condition, while 3% was in poor/very poor condition.
Early drilled crops have performed well, but later drillings have been heavily affected by slugs. Nutrition Similar to winter wheat, manganese deficiencies have been reported, mainly in sandy and light soils.
Weed pressure is similar to that in winter wheat. The application of pre-emergence herbicides in dry conditions was less effective and crops have required top-ups.
Ryegrass and broadleaved weeds are increasing, while black grass emergence is lower.
However, in Yorkshire, black grass remains a challenge. Nationally, post-emergence herbicide challenges remain, similar to wheat.
Winter oats
Where winter oats are concerned, the AHDB has that 96% of the intended winter oats area has been drilled: 28% was drilled in September, 46% in October and 22% in November.
At the end of November, 52% of the GB winter wheat crop was rated in excellent to good condition, with 4% rated in poor to very poor condition.
Oats have established well. 1-3 leaves have emerged for early planted crops, while some later drilled crops are yet to emerge.
Overall, oat crops are looking good. Nutrition Similar to winter wheat and winter barley, manganese deficiencies have been reported on lighter soils. Pest, weed and disease pressures Weed pressure is like that of wheat and barley.
There are limited herbicide options, but crops are currently looking relatively clean. Pest pressure for oats is thought to be low, with few problems reported. There has been little slug activity seen to date.
