Report compiled by Farming Online from reports received from members of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants
: A much better start to the autumn sowing season this year. Oilseed rape sowing is well underway in all regions and reports suggest that a good percentage of the crops range from 1 - 2 true leaf. There is some drilling still to be done but this is a much rosier picture than last year when the late harvest delayed sowings. Pest damage is low at the moment but recent rains will encourage slugs and snail activity. There are no reports of any disease.
: Winter wheat and winter barley sowing has only just started with priority being given to first wheat crops after oilseed rape.
Winter Oilseed Rape
North East: oilseed rape ranges from cotyledon to 3 leaf and planting is in progress. There is some variability in growth stages are seen in fields with dry patches.
Eastern Counties: crops have emerged well in warm seed beds with some plants coming through in a matter of days. Crops here range from expanded cotyledon to 2 true leaf stage. Later drilled heavier fields are now emerging but the recent rains were needed in to wet seedbeds to achieve full emergence. Conditions now set for good emergence all round. Volunteer barley has emerged rapidly in warm conditions. There is a little slug grazing on rougher seedbeds.
West Midlands: crops are also emerging well with some earlier sown crops now at 4 true leaf stage. However, there is a tranche of land in the far west which has only just been sown.
East Midlands: Crops sown after barley are now at the 2 - 3 leaf stage.
Crop Report compiled by Farming Online from reports received from members of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants.
