The EU decision on glyphosate has come as a welcome relief, although it was far too close for comfort and 18 months is not very long.

The scientists at European Agency for Chemical Products (ECHA) are going to be busy if they are going to reassess the safety of the product in enough depth before the re-approval process begins again.

T3s were all applied bang on time and in good conditions. Annoyingly, the good conditions haven’t stayed with us and, at the time of writing, I have heard of people going back to do a T4 – fingers crossed we will not need to.

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Oilseed rape has podded up well and fields look even – it is starting to turn so it will not be long until the desiccation-timing decision comes round.

Winter beans have been the focus crop recently, bruchid beetle, black bean aphid, chocolate spot; it seems beans are an easy crop to grow until June arrives.

This year they are easily approaching 6ft or more and the wet weather coupled with warmth has meant it’s been a challenge to keep them clean, but I think we’ve done an OK job in the end – time will tell if we’ve been successful with bruchid beetle control.

A good couple of days were had at Cereals, although not being in the market for any machinery, and not having light free-draining ground with the ability to put a net over the field I didn’t really look at any machinery or crop plots.

It is more of a social event to catch up with friends who work for various manufacturers and to learn a bit from key people from the industry at the various seminars.

The worry is exhibitors (and visitors) are being priced out, and will start voting with their feet, in numbers, and stop attending.

At the time of writing there isn’t much to talk about regarding Brexit, as we don’t really know anything about what the future of the UK will look like.

As an industry we now have to ensure our voice is heard, and that things like food production and science aren’t walked all over in favour of short-term politics and attempts to win over a few voters.

Matt Redman operates a farming and agricultural contracting business specialising in crop spraying, Avadex application and direct drilling in Bedfordshire. He also grows cereals on a small area of tenancy land and was Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year in 2014.

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