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For the next three months we will look at the following: fodder crops, pre-emergence sprays on autumn sown crops, grass grub control in pasture, and use of gibberellic acid to increase pasture growth.

Look back and plan ahead to get the most from your autumn sown cereal crops.

In 2022/23, FAR investigated the viability of sowing legumes into ryegrass re-growth to a) extend the value of the crop by providing high quality feed, and b) reduce the N fertiliser spend for the next year (nitrogen fertiliser costs frequently make up more than half of farm expenses).

As I write this update, Canterbury’s Port Hills are burning. With evacuations, monsoon buckets, helicopters, tired firefighters, it all feels very familiar after similar events in 2017. For some time, fire risk has been extreme in many areas throughout New Zealand. The silver lining to this has been excellent conditions for grain and seed harvest, with many arable growers keeping up with harvest without the stresses of regular rainfall events leading to tight harvest windows.

There’s a convenient, cost-effective way to keep your nitrogen investment in the ground for plant use.

Micronutrient deficiencies can impact wheat yield and grain nutritional quality, but does applying micronutrients always improve these factors?

Understanding nitrogen (N) levels in soil is important, as this nutrient is a key driver of growth and yield.

Catch crops, also commonly referred to as cover crops, are nothing new. Already used extensively in cropping, they are traditionally sown in autumn to provide feed over winter for stock, conserve nutrients and reduce weeds, water runoff and soil erosion.

Is magnesium (Mg) important for winter wheat yields and quality, and what’s the best course of action if a deficiency occurs?

Look back and plan ahead to get the most from your autumn sown cereal crop.