Preparation and distraction: the keys to delayed drilling

In this special feature, we speak to the National Association of Agricultural Contractors Chairman James Alexander, farmer, podcaster and Farming Community Network (FCN) ambassador Will Evans, and BASF Business Development Manager Stuart Kevis to discuss the risks of drilling too early, and how there is always plenty to be getting on with while they wait!

“When conditions are near-perfect for drilling, holding off is understandably difficult,” acknowledges Stuart.

“But where there’s a known black-grass issue, and the forecast continues to offer opportunities to delay, it is one of the most effective and cost-efficient tactics we have.”

Preparation: the key to delayed drilling

For James, the key to deploying the tactic successfully is preparation: "If you're going to push the delay hard and have only a three- or four- day weather window to drill, you do not want to be standing in the yard fixing something just an hour or two into the job," he says. "Make use of this time to get everything ready. Trying to mend the drill when rain could put a stop to the operation, puts you under far more pressure than it needs to."

He advises checking metering systems are calibrated, the coulters are in good condition and set to the right depth, and the GPS is configured correctly.

As a black-grass centred programme means the sprayer is right behind the drill, James flags the sprayer for the same scrutiny. "If black-grass is the target, the sprayer needs to be cleaned out, the nozzles checked for blockages, and the operator briefed on what products are being applied, when and where. That conversation should happen in the shed, not in the cab."

Stuart agrees, adding: “Today’s herbicide programmes are largely reliant on pre-emergence chemistry.  All, including Luximo, are most effective when applied shortly after drilling and pre-emergence of the target weed.

“Luximo has no foliar uptake, its effect is on the roots and the seed, which is why timing is such an important aspect of optimising its efficacy,” he explains.

Worthwhile distractions: data, drainage and hedges

Waiting can be difficult, but Will and James are making good use of the time and taking the chance to tick off jobs.

"Cutting the hedges around the winter crop fields is a straightforward one," says Will. "You can't cut them until September, and you can't get the machinery in without running on the crops once they're drilled. So now is the time."

James sees these weeks as a chance to do some of the analytical work that gets squeezed out in a busy season. "We all collect a great deal of data but aren't so good at actually analysing it and extracting the information – fuel usage, yield maps, spray records. It may well inform your decisions going forward."

"And if you've mapped your black-grass patches, now is the time to dig those out and refresh your memory.

Where black-grass is a challenge, James notes that drainage usually is too.

“A few hours of inspection now can save a headache later. Now is the time to look at drainage, while the ground is still reasonably dry and you can see what's going on."

A break, and a plan

Both Will and James agree that the mental side of the job is as important as the mechanical and agronomic.

"There's always something to do, and there's the temptation to keep going,” concedes James.

“But it is important to spend time with the family. If you don't get away, you don't get perspective, because you're ‘in it’ all the time. Getting away gives you a little distance and gives you the headspace to reflect," he says.

Will is also taking the opportunity to get away for a few days but has also been more deliberate about smaller moments.

"I like walking, so I've been trying to do more of that, even if it's a half-hour around the farm. Getting off the farm is always better, though it's not always possible. Taking a moment to listen to the birds and use your senses, appreciating the environment in which we get to live and work – it's something we don't do enough of and does make a difference. I've been trying to do it more, with varying degrees of success."

Will has also been considering the wellbeing of his wider team.

"There has been a surge in farm accidents this year and I lost a close friend in the spring. It was a real shock and the catalyst for sitting down and putting together a farm accident plan.

“Everyone on the team is now up to date with What3Words, and we know where each other are at all times. It's another one of those essential jobs that is too easily pushed to the bottom of the list."

Finally, James says: "Tidy the workshop. It sounds trivial, but it isn't, when you need to find a spare part at 05:30 in the morning."