Drilling anyone?

[fieldfarmer]

Direct drillers often have to get there before "dads" get in the field...

The problem with that is I am the "dad".

 

[bankrupt]

The problem with that is I am the "dad".

My problem, here, fieldfarmer, is that I'm now "dad"'s "dad".

But I've probably had more fun, kicked more tyres, lost more money and certainly spent more time chatting about DD than anything else in the 45 odd years or so since we first gave it a go.

 

[Lincsman]

Freeflows are really good at getting you stuck really quickly. Although it looks dry, in those fields there is some really wet holes. With that pin in, a little squeeze on the lift ram immediately puts weight on the drawbar without lifting the drill out and has saved me a number of times this week. On easy land with no holes the pin comes out. May not be correct, but it’s worked for me!

Mine has the 3 diverter taps fitted that you turn after opening the wings, you then drill with it floating and as you get to a corner or soft spot you move your lift spool to neutral then use what was the wing spool to "down" for a second to pressurise the front ram only to transfer weight, the rear rams dont move and keeps the coulters, drive wheel, and harrows working, once through the patch/corner place lift spool back to float, a neat bit of plumbing... just dont ask me how its done!

 

[John Slejpner]

Lots happening in N beds with all types of system making a fair to very good job.
2 neighbours have planted Skyfall in last 10 days, another though he would drill some this week!!!
Lack of moisture reported by some as an issue now. which was almost inevitable.

 

[Bobthebuilder]

Last of the spring barley sown n rolled in today, just 100ac of oats to tackle next [emoji57] plus wheat ready to spray and still some TSP & MOP to go on [emoji849]

 

[teslacoils]

Think we will try tomorrow.

 

[Phil P]

Been on some boys ground past couple of days drilling spring wheat, excellent conditions.

still plenty of moisture in the ground yet.

Spring oats today into some slightly dryer ground, actually some dust blowing!

Also bit the bullet and sprayed of a field of failed winter barley , only 8 acres and it’s the only field that’s really suffered out of all the winter cereals we drilled!
Despite going into a decent seed bed and all coming up the persistent rain just drowned it, strangely 90%of the headlands have survived but nothing in the middle.
Fortunately, it was fss and didn’t get any pre em etc, so not a big cost to right off

 

[Fish]

Peas going in today

 

[teslacoils]

Barely going in today. Oats tomorrow. Should be done by Sunday, and anything after that will be opportunistic.

Ploughed and rolled land will go nicely. Disced and rolled will be like cack.

 

[Wombat]

Last 9 acres has gone rather knarly having been so wet so i cannot take the drill straight in so will give it another quick run over today. So i don;t turn the drill into scrap

 

[SilliamWhale]

I'll start barley next monday

 

[Warp Land Farmer]

Anyone popped any linseed in yet or too cold?

 

[Hindsight]

Lots happening in N beds with all types of system making a fair to very good job.
2 neighbours have planted Skyfall in last 10 days, another though he would drill some this week!!!
Lack of moisture reported by some as an issue now. which was almost inevitable.

Thank you for the post. Skyfall will be interesting to follow and future updates as comes to ear will be welcome. Last sown I know of was 13 March, after that date I got cold feet, though my 'gut feel' was safe until end March, similar to Claire.

Regards,

 

[teslacoils]

Would you credit it.......too hard to get drill in now.

 

[APJ]

First season of direct drilling, weaving sabre tine seems to be working well time will tell!

 

[Shutesy]

First season of direct drilling, weaving sabre tine seems to be working well time will tell!

Look forward to seeing the pictures of the growing crop.

 

[APJ]

Look forward to seeing the pictures of the growing crop.

I’m looking forward to seeing it up!! Some we drilled on Saturday afternoon as already put a root out so fingers crossed ?

 

[Flat 10]

Anyone popped any linseed in yet or too cold?

Not growing any this year but happy enough to drill last week of March here.

 

[farmerm]

Just seen the latest monthly outlook and I might have to have a little cry I should have taken the wheels off the tractor when it started raining on 21st September and left them off! 1 field October drilled might make 1T/acre, certainly no more, it looks a disaster. Feb drilled crops, plants are there but its now April and plants are still so small I still cant make out where the tramlines are, they are desperate for a drop of rain to kick them on. Another dry fortnight will near write them off. Spring Beans and Spring Wheat still in the bag... will be drilled this weekend but looking at the lack of rain expected in April I cant help but think the seed would be better to stay in the bag??

 

[teslacoils]

It's a tiny field, but psychologically important as it's the first drilled, and in front of my daddy's house. Two months ago the year looked like a non starter.