OILSEED RAPE growers as far north as the Humber can extend their drilling season until at least mid-September and still achieve good results, according to NIAB.

“This year‘s high soil moisture content and temperatures are likely to prevail throughout September,” said Simon Kightley. “I wouldn‘t hesitate to drill right up to September 17.”

As long as there is sufficient soil moisture, growers in the south should be able to extend drilling to the end of the month, he noted.

“Our experience from last year‘s crop drilled in extremely arid conditions and its subsequent recovery should provide growers with confidence in oilseed rape‘s robustness.”

Achieving optimum ground cover to deter pigeons and attention to slug control were key success factors, he added.

Mr Kightley recommended farmers use narrow rows – 12.5-13cm coulter width and higher seed rates – 120 seeds/m2 for conventional varieties and 90 seeds/m2 for hybrids, as the month progresses.

“If the crop is to establish well late in the season, then seed-beds must be fine and firm regardless of system,” added Masstock‘s Clare Bend.

Scottish growers in higher inland areas and more northern parts are advised to use September 10 as the cut off point for sowing oilseed rape, said Scottish Agronomy‘s Huw Phillips.

“We expect soil temperatures to fall more rapidly this year in view of the high moisture contents, however growers have no need to panic.

“Farmers in the central belt and coastal areas should feel confident to drill oilseed rape until September 17,” he added.