At long last spraying is now up to date and flag leaf sprays are ordered. Wheat crops look well and correspondence with consultants in Europe and America would indicate this is true throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is however a long way from harvest! Septoria has reminded us that it still is the No 1 disease and robust triazole rates are vital to maintain yield potential. Crops have grown 150 mm in a week and suddenly late growth regulators look likely on the best crops.

Winter barley crops are a mixed bag but I can’t see them being “barn busters”. The poor April weather has taken its toll and many look stressed. Late growth regulators have been included with T2 on most crops. Spring barley crops have emerged quickly and look well although I heard my first Cuckoo before much of it was drilled and I hope this was not an omen!

Potato planting is at last in full swing but much of the land is still very tender. Maize drilling is well underway and will be interesting to compare with that sown under plastic in early April.