Crop Watch South – June Update

Season outlook improves as crops move toward grain fill

Season outlook

Six weeks ago, the season’s outcome depended heavily on the weather. Since then, timely rainfall followed by warm sunshine has supported crops through grain fill and put many in a stronger position as harvest approaches.

While crop potential looks encouraging, the biggest concern across the region remains the value of the crop in the field. Considerable investment has gone into protecting yield potential this season, yet current market returns continue to challenge margins.

Harvest prospects: oilseed rape and winter barley

Oilseed rape and winter barley are emerging as potential stand-out crops this year. Both are carrying thick, promising canopies, although final performance will only become clear once harvesting begins.

As harvest preparation approaches, oilseed rape desiccation planning is underway. Where trailed sprayers are being used, pod sealants are being applied ahead of glyphosate. This helps lay the crop into tramlines and reduces the risk of losses before desiccation.

Winter wheat: disease protection and late weed pressure

Final T3 fungicide applications are now being completed in winter wheat. Wet conditions during flowering meant most programmes retained prothioconazole as the foundation, with tebuconazole or a strobilurin partner added where rust protection was needed.

Recent rainfall following the prolonged dry period has triggered a late flush of broad-leaved weeds in wheat. Control options are limited due to cut-off timings for many herbicides and concerns about carry-over affecting following crops, making this more of a management consideration than a spray opportunity.

Spring oats performing strongly

This season has seen the largest spring oat area locally, and crops have responded well to conditions. Their ability to establish quickly and scavenge nutrients and moisture efficiently has been evident during dry periods.

Much of the crop has been grown under the Low-Input Cereal SFI option, but oats are also proving valuable rotationally. Current performance suggests area could remain strong next season.

Pulses: nutrition focus delivering results

Agronomy in pulses this spring has centred on supporting crops nutritionally through dry conditions, and this approach appears to have delivered benefits.

Peas

Pea crops are generally performing well, exceeding expectations in some cases. Pea aphid thresholds have been reached in certain fields, and monitoring continues with pea moth traps in place. Early fungicide programmes are beginning, typically starting with azoxystrobin-based treatments.

Beans

Winter beans have remained consistent throughout the season and are now podding well. Spring beans, initially held back by dry conditions and short growth, have responded positively to recent rainfall, improving pod set and crop height.

Looking ahead to harvest

As crops move toward maturity, attention now turns to harvest logistics and market conditions. Yield potential across several crops looks encouraging, but profitability will depend heavily on price movement in the months ahead.

This marks the end of my first spring contributing to Crop Watch. Best wishes to everyone for a safe and successful harvest.