Crop Watch West: Rain has improved crops, says Bryce Rham

Bryce Rham - Association of Independent Crop Consultants, Shropshire (Click to contact) A month of intermittent heavy rainfall has left crops looking a lot better, with probably enough moisture to carry through until harvest. Much improved June nitrogen prices, compared with last year's ridiculous profit-taking, has led to a lot of N being bought for next year's crops. There's certainly more wiggle room in terms of payment and delivery options, which is somewhat different to last year's bully-boy tactics. Everyone's looking forward to a dry harvest and a chance to sort out soil structure problems for the first time in three seasons. Winter barleys are turning rapidly, with most crops still standing despite heavy showers. If we have a couple of hot weeks we could be combining in mid-July. There are signs of ramularia/pollen... [read full story]                    

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