My Nuffield Scholarship Blog

[Feldspar]

https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...t-lavier-etormay-france-7th-of-november-2015/

So there is no other way of dealing with mice other than cultivations? What causes mice to be more problematic? Crop choice, soil type, stubble height? Do they have the same sort of predators we do?

Do they have problems with moles?

 

[Andy Howard]

Not sure. It's a real problem. I was at a farm today and they are no till and the only two fields they had problems were fields next to houses with dogs. He thought dogs were scaring away the foxes.

 

[Feldspar]

Not sure. It's a real problem. I was at a farm today and they are no till and the only two fields they had problems were fields next to houses with dogs. He thought dogs were scaring away the foxes.

Do the mice become a problem because of the soil cover, or because their holes are not destroyed by cultivations?

 

[Andy Howard]

Both but mainly the latter

 

[Feldspar]

https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...grodoc-peyregoux-france-9th-of-november-2015/

The cover crop looks to have quite low plant populations. Is that intentional, and if so, what's the idea behind it? (Last question, I promise.)

 

[Andy Howard]

The low population was intentional but he also had some soil and planting issues in this field. Remember that this cover will be growing until next may so will look very different. Also he had broadcast clover and lucerne which hadn't germinated yet. The idea is to improve the soil along the line where he will plant the row crop

 

[shakerator]

So there is no other way of dealing with mice other than cultivations? What causes mice to be more problematic? Crop choice, soil type, stubble height? Do they have the same sort of predators we do?

Do they have problems with moles?

have heard of some producers broadcasting low rate of cracked grain on surface pre/peri emergence

cant see slugs and mice being a problem in the uk though !

 

[Andy Howard]

https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...-laguian-mazous-france-11th-of-november-2015/

 

[CORK]

I'm really enjoying your blog Andy. Well done.

 

[conor t]

Not sure. It's a real problem. I was at a farm today and they are no till and the only two fields they had problems were fields next to houses with dogs. He thought dogs were scaring away the foxes.

Would putting it into grass for a while help at all??

 

[Andy Howard]

Would putting it into grass for a while help at all??

Good question. Didn't ask that one. I guess as grass is no till then maybe not then again a grass field probably has more wildlife and predators

 

[SilliamWhale]

Would putting it into grass for a while help at all??

I think it would. Less grains and edible stuff on the ground then for a bit.

 

[Andy Howard]

Would putting it into grass for a while help at all??

French arable farmers seem to have the same issue as English ones, they are allergic to animals!

 

[Feldspar]

I don't suppose grazing animals on a cover crop between cash crops would disturb the mice enough? Do they mind having their holes stepped on by sheep?

 

[Andy Howard]

Last blog post for now off home for a holiday
https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...canet-de-salars-france-11th-of-november-2015/

 

[Richard III]

Last blog post for now off home for a holiday
https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...canet-de-salars-france-11th-of-november-2015/

Well deserved, excellent reading, thank you.

 

[dontknowanything]

Last blog post for now off home for a holiday
https://andyhowardnuffield15.wordpr...canet-de-salars-france-11th-of-november-2015/

Two holidays in a row?

 

[Andy Howard]

Two holidays in a row?

Yep. This Nuffield travels are a breeze as you know.

 

[Andy Howard]

Two holidays in a row?

Are you looking forward to your few days away in Belfast? Should be relaxing

 

[dontknowanything]

Are you looking forward to your few days away in Belfast? Should be relaxing

Yes I am, are you going to be there?