LATE DRILLING
The risks:
Less yield – anything from 0.5-2t/ha for late autumn sowings. Wheat-bulb fly can also be a threat
The benefits:
They cost less to grow – by about 30/ha. And theres the incidental benefit of what a late start can mean to the preceding crop; if youre following beet, you may earn more by letting sugars bulk up instead of lifting
Variety:
Mainstream barn-fillers do well in mid-November. Milling varieties for the late-drilled slot include Charger, Malacca and Shiraz. If drilling is delayed beyond Christmas, consider a switch to true spring wheats
Drilling date:
Dont be hung up on date. Target the right soil conditions instead
Agronomy:
Watch seed rate. Aim for 300 plants/m2. Go early with spring nitrogen. If using a true spring wheat as autumn-sown, check that autumn herbicide sprays have approval for spring wheat use
|
|
CONTENTS
Delay can pay
Last but not least. Late-drilled wheat can be just as profitable (see left)
The biggest European event for five years served up an enticing dish of potato developments
Channel shopping
Product prices can be cheaper elsewhere in Europe. We investigate the barriers to hopping across the Channel to buy them
A-team in action
In the second of our series to boost wheat profits, we follow our A-team experts on weed control
Pigeon patter
In the first of a new series on how to tackle feathered and furry pests, we put pigeons to flight
|
