June 2023 Newsletter
Agronomy
After some well needed rain over the weekend hopefully perking up some spring crops.
Now winter cereals spray season is coming to a close, it would still be beneficial to apply T,3 sprays especially if the weather is unsettled. Applying late season liquid Nitrogen will help improve proteins which will help achieve premium prices over feed.
Make sure to keep monitoring oats for mildew and crown rust, the warm humid weather is the perfect conditions for the disease to advance though the crop very quickly.
Winter oilseed rape is now well into podding. The use of a pod sealant prior to desiccation can reduce the risk of pod shattering, from adverse weather conditions and exposed sites. If the variety grown is not pod shatter resistant, then a pod sealant can also be a useful application.
Spring crops are at variable growth stages. Due to some being drilled late and then followed by incredibly wet weather, to then extremely dry weather they are now suffering with the consequences of this. With some spring barley, spring oats and spring beans being very short. The showers may bring on a flush of broad leaf weeds. Remembering that for many herbicides the latest application timing is flag leaf visible (GS 37) to flag leaf extended (GS 39).
Not all maize crops have geminated evenly, along with the weeds making herbicide selections and timing of applications very important. Especially if the dry weather continues as the weeds will be very well waxed making it harder for the herbicides to penetrate.
An opportunity to apply herbicides to grass leys after silage has been made due to dry weather we had. Not forgetting to allow 28 days before cutting to allow maximum translocation of chemical throughout the weeds, and a 7-day animal exclusion after application.
Prior to forage crops being drilled, make sure to get a stale seed bed with the appropriate use of glyphosate, due to the very limited herbicide choice. Don’t forget to monitor forage crops as they start to emerge for any signs of pests i.e., flea beetle and treat when thresholds are met.
-Ollie Berkley, Agronomist
Please contact your Bartholomews agronomist for more information.
Seed
We have now started our full Autumn cereal seed campaign.
The best varieties have been selected for our regions in terms of Agronomy and marketing.
We then use trusted growers to multiply these crops and then produce bagged seed in our new plant to the highest possible standards.
This season we are offering:
Available Varieties:
Group 1
Skyfall
Crusoe
Illustrious
Zyatt
Group 2
Extase
Palladium
Group 3
Illuminate
Group 4
Dawsum
Champion
Insitor
Graham
Gleam
W. Barley
Tardis
Caravelle
Bordeaux
Oats
Mascani
Crowell
Beans
Vespa
Tundra
Please speak to a member of the seed team for more information.
Stubble turnips offer a useful option that can be sown post-harvest for feeding over the winter months. We have availability of the key varieties, ready for quick dispatch.
For those that are looking to rejuvenate grass lays, an autumn overseed or reseed can provide the perfect opportunity. Out main mixes are in stock, plus we have the option of straight red or white clover. Adding in species such as clovers, plantain and chicory add to the diversity of the mix and help build resilience in the summer months as they are deeper rooting.
OSR companion crops have seen an increased year on year, with the idea of them to deter flea beetles and give the crop a best chance of establishment. We have tried and tested mixes, that can be available for quick dispatch. Adding in species such as the berseem clover, it can also have the added benefit of nitrogen fixation.
Post harvest might be an opportune time to add in a catch or cover crop for improving soil structure and soil organic matter. We have a new booklet out this year with our range of mixes and straights available. Please ask the seed team for your copy today.
For those late sown game cover crops, we still have options available – either the rescue mix or a forage rape to help fill those gaps.
-Christian Maltby, Seed Manager
Please contact the Seed department on: 01243 755620 seed@bartholomews.co.uk
Crop Protection
Major product supply issues seem to be a thing of the past but none of us last year expected the low levels of water in the Rhine would have major consequences on the supply of autumn actives. The future can be very unpredictable and supply volatility is never that far away.
Plan product early especially if you are looking for large volumes for early usage.
Glyphosate supplies remain stable but pricing is volatile – only purchase your immediate requirements at this current time..
-Graham Phillippo, Crop Protection Manager
Please contact the Crop Protection department on: 01243755610 or cropprotection@bartholomews.co.uk