Select a field site with good deep free draining soil, good pH and P, K, and Mg index levels with no history of compaction, standing water or problem weeds.

The field should have grown either a break or similar crop of the same variety the previous year. Two break crops is ideal.

Good seedbed preparation is essential. Poor consolidation and loose seedbeds can cause unnecessary plant loss in the winter. Seed treatments are more effective in good seedbed conditions.

Cold, wet, compacted seedbeds result in slow, uneven germination and excessive seed loss.

 

Before drilling C1 or C2 for seed production, check the generation, variety and quality standard on all official certification labels. One bag of the incorrect variety can easily ruin a years work. Read the seed treatment label before opening a seed bag. Use pesticides safely.

Ensure the drill is thoroughly clean before sowing and between varieties, and check the metering mechanism is working correctly before entering the field. Never clean a drill out in a field.

Consider the factors affecting seed rate (i.e. seed bed condition, drilling date) and aim for an optimum target plant population and calibrate the drill to sow by seed number/square metre - and double check.

Avoid too deep or too shallow drilling. Drill seed deep enough to avoid moisture and pre-emergence herbicide stress and also bird damage.

Wheat bulb fly treated seed should be drilled no deeper than 40mm (1.5") and covered with sufficient soil to reduce risk to wildlife.

Relate drilling speed to the seedbed and sowing conditions, regular, even depth seed placement is more important than speed.

Never re-drill bare patches in seed crops.