Kepak Farm May/June Update 2023

Click here for a pdf version of the Kepak Update May June 23.

Crop Agronomy:

Leaf 3 fungicides on winter wheat were a little delayed due to weather which further increased septoria pressure. A full rate of Revystar XL + Folpet was applied along with the second PGR.
A shorter than normal fungicide interval was seen between leaf 3 and flag leaf due to quicker than normal leaf emergence. With septoria pressure heightened robust rates of Aquino (Inatreq active) + Turret + Folpet were used.
Disease levels in crops have reduced greatly due to the efficacy of the first and second fungicide coupled with a reduction in rainfall.
Winter barley received its final fungicide at the end of May, 1/2 rate of Decoy + Commet + 1.5lt/ha Folpet. Disease levels still remain low but crows have started to attack the crop.
Second cut silage was harvested in late May. Compaction issues were visibly noticed following first cut.

Last years catch crops were destructed by topping and discing. 3,500 gls/ac of cattle slurry was applied using LESS system and incorporated into the soil pre drilling.
The conventional maize was sown under plastic on the 13th May with an additional 160 units N/ac of incorporated into the seed bed.
The 15 acres of strip-till maize was sown on 20th May with 92 units N/ac placed into the seedbed.
With little to no rain since these crops were planted, the conventional maize is doing better than the strip-till maize which is showing signs of drought stress.

Maize planted

Figure 1: Maize planted