They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, and this looks like coming true for us.

Saint Patrick’s Day was the first day this year with genuine heat in the sun. Everyone used the dry spell to finish ploughing and start drilling spring barley. Early-sown crops are emerging fast as soil temperatures rise and the land dries out.

The chance to sow early is appreciated by everyone. It ensures the crop has its full yield potential without the possible need for a third fungicide to safeguard against rhynchosporium, depending on the season.

Fertiliser prices continue to fall and are starting to return to realistic levels. How much more they will drop is anyone’s guess. Farmers are leaving their nitrogen purchases until the last minute to get the best deal possible. This will help cut input costs, but is unlikely to have a big impact on margins.

Estimates for the forthcoming harvest are being downgraded all over the world. With autumn plantings reduced over much of Europe, the forecast wheat tonnage is significantly lower. Will this lead to an increase in the wheat price? Reduced planting of one crop generally leads to an increased acreage of another as a replacement.

It’s great to finally get on with some fieldwork, but it also led to the dilemma of how to watch Ireland’s final game of the Six Nations against Wales while driving the tractor.

I was hoping the game would be broadcast on the radio, as I was almost sure the Trimble guidance system wouldn’t pick up the match coverage – much to my dismay. But then again highlights were going to be shown later in the evening. Anyway I have enough problems following the light bar without trying to watch a match at the same time.

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