I decided we would cultivate all the spring barley land this year. I found in previous years that direct-drilling led to more variable results, especially in wet and heavy patches. 

This made the cultivator a worthwhile insurance policy and allowed us to incorporate muck into the seed-bed, replacing bagged P and K. Good establishment into moisture should achieve good results.

As a dry February drew to a close, I was pleased to get the pre-emergence spray on the spring barley.

See also: How to move towards nitrogen self-sufficiency in a regen system

About the author

Charlie Cheyney

Arable Farmer Focus writer Charlie Cheyney farms more than 480ha land in Hampshire in partnership with his father. They run a mixed arable and 450-cow dairy enterprise, growing cereal and forage crops on varying soils, from chalk to heavy clay.

Read more articles by Charlie Cheyney

It seems to be the case on the variable land that one end of the field is picture-perfect and the other end rather knobbly. It leaves a difficult choice of where to draw the line.

With the risk of changing weather and drizzly mornings, I was not prepared to push my luck any longer.

I have been really encouraged by the new ag students who were looking for part-time work around their studies. They have shown an eagerness to learn and a good attitude towards work.

I have also been really pleased with how members of the current team were so welcoming and great at teaching and training the new workers to such a high standard.

Away from the farm, a recent casual farmer meetup and discussion, organised by some local farmers, proved a useful and rewarding activity.

It highlighted the importance of communication. In what can be an isolating industry, we are all in the same boat. Sitting round a table with a beer is all that is needed sometimes.

A takeaway point was the importance of time management and using time effectively. I’m guilty of being a poor time manager and not setting aside time for office work.

I also need to step back and look at the bigger picture, whether that be the direction of the business, succession, or opportunities outside of our current activities.