Is it to early to start drilling wheat?

Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Long story short, I’ve got a 750A on demo and would like to try direct drilling some wheat before It goes. Is it to early to start? Drilled plenty of covers with it and been impressed upto now but would like to try it in something where I can measure the end results.
We don’t normally start drilling till at least the 2nd or 3rd week in September here in the northwest but the whole direct drilling is all new here so any advice welcome.
We’ve no black grass or resistant grass problems. On medium to heavy clay loam.

Thanks in advance.

Chae1 · Sep 4, 2018

Go for it.

Beowulf · Sep 4, 2018

Isn't the accepted wisdom on direct drilling to start two weeks earlier in autumn and two weeks later in the spring, relative to cultivated establishment?

Or have I made that up?

Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Beowulf said:
Isn't the accepted wisdom on direct drilling to start two weeks earlier in autumn and two weeks later in the spring, relative to cultivated establishment?

Or have I made that up?

I’ve no idea hence the question. The ground is probably in ideal condition after the long dry spell then some light rain.

Shutesy · Sep 4, 2018

If the grounds ready for it, you've got the seed and the drill and you don't have a grassweed problem then why not. Seems to be plenty drilling wheat on Twitter already!

Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Sounds like I know what I’m doing later then. Thanks guys

DRC · Sep 4, 2018

What happens to wheat if it gets too forward going into winter. Full of disease or even going through growth stages too early ?

newjames · Sep 4, 2018

silverfox said:
What happens to wheat if it gets too forward going into winter. Full of disease or even going through growth stages too early ?

Very unlikely in dd wheat and can always top it or better graze it off

Brisel · Sep 4, 2018

What variety of wheat? If you pick a slow developer like Graham or Lili you'll be fine. Pick a quick developer like Siskin and you'll be in trouble later on. The AHDB RL has speed of development in the varietal tables.

Zippy768 · Sep 4, 2018

Thinking I'm ahead of the game, then somebody had to mention wheat drilling

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Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Brisel said:
What variety of wheat? If you pick a slow developer like Graham or Lili you'll be fine. Pick a quick developer like Siskin and you'll be in trouble later on. The AHDB RL has speed of development in the varietal tables.

Skyfall, although I do have some lily but it was earmarked for a different field.
I wouldn’t usually go this early but we usually combi drill everything. There’s a chance the 750 may still be here in another couple of weeks but if someone else want to try it I may lose my opportunity to try it in some wheat.

Zippy768 · Sep 4, 2018

Brisel said:
What variety of wheat? If you pick a slow developer like Graham or Lili you'll be fine. Pick a quick developer like Siskin and you'll be in trouble later on. The AHDB RL has speed of development in the varietal tables.

What would be the result if one was to drill Graham or Lili mid October?

Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Zippy768 said:
What would be the result if one was to drill Graham or Lili mid October?

I’ve drilled lily after spuds in late October, it did very well but it was the last field we cut.

farmerm · Sep 4, 2018

Brisel said:
What variety of wheat? If you pick a slow developer like Graham or Lili you'll be fine. Pick a quick developer like Siskin and you'll be in trouble later on. The AHDB RL has speed of development in the varietal tables.

Lili a slow developer? I put some in 2 years ago second week of September and it grew like a rocket! It was already in full ear when the other fields of Lilli drilled only a week later were still putting out flag leaf.

Sonoftheheir · Sep 4, 2018

I go on ground conditions, if it’s right then do it.

Only worry would be is it too dry?

Brisel · Sep 4, 2018

I only picked Lili as an example because I have this guide for recommended sowing date from KWS;

No doubt the other breeders have a similar table for their portfolio of varieties.

I've grown Lili twice. First time it matured in mid September and was still green then. This year it matured the first week in August. I'm 20 miles north of the South Coast so not really a good comparison for the North West.

Here's the AHDB's rather clunky variety selector tool. https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/monitoring/variety-selection-tool-–-winter-wheat.aspx

Breckland Boy · Sep 4, 2018

Used to regularly drill solstice in the first week of September. Seed rates of 75-85kg/ha.
Would only drill now if deter dressed. Expect another insecticide later on too.

nick... · Sep 4, 2018

Seen some on fb drilled in August.drill it now and your agronomist will be rubbing his hands
Nick...

MrNoo · Sep 4, 2018

Not even ripped up all the WW ground yet and only finished combining on Friday!

Phil P · Sep 4, 2018

Decided to hang fire for a week or two, as much as I’d like to try the drill in some wheat it’s not worth rushing it in. And If the drill isn’t here then so be it! I’m sure there’ll be another chance to try it at some point.
After checking I really don’t want to be drilling skywalk the first week in September anyway, it’s recommended towards the last week in September

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Is it to early to start drilling wheat?

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