Sowing is done, and we’re straight into assessments and applications! One great thing about this job—just as you tire of one task, it’s time to switch gears.

We’ve kicked off establishment counts across many trials. These involve measuring a set area (1 m for cereals/canola, 1 m² quadrant for pulses) and counting plants to calculate density. This data is crucial, especially in sowing rate trials. For instance, last year PBA Ayla had 40 plants/m²—double the target—and yielded 4.8 t/ha. While impressive, it’s likely due to seasonal conditions which suited this short season variety suited to Northern conditions.  This data is valuable when interpreting the results.

We’re also seeing more variation in vigour scores this year, thanks to a dry start followed by heavy rain—some varieties are really jumping out of the ground!

Next up: flowering scores, fertiliser applications, and disease assessments. At this pace, harvest will be here before we know it!

By Greta Duff, Senior Research & Extension Officer