It has been a long winter, since the rain started in early October. Our February rainfall was only just above average at 75mm, but like many months in the last year, there have been a greater than average number of rainy days. 

As a result, it is looking very much like last spring, but from a wetter starting point. 

We still have a significant area to plough and top dressing of winter crops is only just getting started. The difference this year is that most of the UK and other parts of Europe are in the same situation. 

See also: How to tackle hefty spring arable workloads after wet winter

About the author

Robert Drysdale

Arable Farmer Focus writer

Robert Drysdale is farm manager at Monymusk Estate, growing winter and spring barley, wheat and oilseed rape across 1600ha on 4 contract farming agreements to the south of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. The farm also has 130 beef cows running on land that is less suitable for crop production with the majority of calves being finished on the farm.

Read more articles by Robert Drysdale

Watching the grain market has not brought many smiles this year either, although the past few days have seen some signs of encouragement, with various issues around the world. 

The US Department of Agriculture seems reluctant to acknowledge potentially lower production in South America. 

Hopefully, if this lower production is confirmed, along with unfavourable growing conditions here, there will be a rebound in the markets. 

At some point prices will go up, the issue at present is will it be in time for old crop still in store and more importantly for our business, in time for the harvest malting barley market?

The straw price has risen considerably since the start of the year and with some surplus in stock we have managed to take advantage and send a few loads south. 

I don’t envy those having to buy it, with the haulage cost on top. At least livestock margins are at a more realistic level for the first time in many years.  

We sold a batch of stores, creating some space to accommodate bought-in replacement heifers ahead of the bulls going in at the start of April, and as with last year we are pleased with the price.

Recent weekends have seen a group of amateur archaeological enthusiasts walking over some of our recently ploughed fields. 

They are looking for flint blades as evidence of mid-stone age populations. 

Once you know what to look for it is amazing how many of these relics there are in some fields, that normally I would never have noticed. Unfortunately, today’s litter is more conspicuous.