Spring Seed

The annual launch of the AHDB Recommended List introduces growers to a plethora of new options for 2021 cereal crops, alongside old favourites still ranking high.

It is almost impossible when drilling to ensure a field does not have a few seeds that are left on the surface either on the end of the row or where the drill has been refilled. This has not been a big concern in years gone by. However, increasingly it is being seen as unacceptable and could result in more seed treatment products being withdrawn from the market.

We are encouraging our growers to make spring seed decisions early, as popular varieties are likely to be in short supply.
Delayed drilling due to the ‘Beast from the East’ and little rainfall from May to August last year has impacted seed availability for 2019.

Traditionally growers often reach for contact acting postemergence herbicides for spring cereals. However, by considering the use of pre-emergence residuals, weed control can often be improved, whilst at the same time reducing the total spent on sprays.

Reseeding an existing ley can lead to a significant return on investment. Within several years ‘weed grasses’ will ingress into a sward – particularly if the field has experienced poaching or after a hard winter. These ‘weed grasses’ have poor quality characteristics compared to ryegrass varieties from the Recommended List. These include poor digestibility and a poorer response to fertiliser, as well as not converting to meat and milk as efficiently as ryegrass.