Thetford Farm Diaries
Spring Drilling
March 25 : Farm Manager : Mark Taylor : Spring Drilling
Preparing for the New Season
As winter gives way to longer days and warmer temperatures, spring drilling becomes one of the most important tasks on the farm. It’s a time for careful planning, patience, and precision, ensuring that every seed sown has the best chance to thrive and deliver a successful harvest later in the year.
At FRS Farming, spring drilling is not just about putting seeds into the ground, it’s about setting the tone for the entire season.
With 560 acre’s in the preparation, Mark Taylor, 5th generation Farm Manager, shares some insights in to this years Spring drilling.
The Process of Spring Drilling
Spring drilling begins with preparing the soil, ensuring it has the right structure and moisture content after winter’s weather. Good seedbed preparation is crucial, too wet and the soil becomes compacted, too dry and germination can be patchy. Timing is everything.
Our focus is currently on drilling spring barley, oats, and beans, which play an important role in our crop rotation, improving soil health and supporting sustainable farming practices.
The Challenges
British spring weather is famously unpredictable. One week can bring warm sunshine, the next, heavy rain. That’s why flexibility and having the right equipment on standby is key. It’s about watching the forecasts, walking the fields, and acting quickly when conditions are right.
With the use of modern technologies, GPS and historic data, farming today can be carried out with precision. With a great start to this Spring, over 70% of our seed is now in the ground.
Why Spring drilling matters
• Crop establishment: Getting crops off to a strong start is vital for yield potential.
• Soil management: Direct drilling protects the soil structure and reduces the risk of erosion.
• Drilling spring crops helps us to control grass weeds like Black Grass, as this is a major challenge.
• Biodiversity: Spring-sown crops help break pest and disease cycles, contributing to healthier fields for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As the days lengthen, we’ll keep a close eye on emerging crops, managing weeds, and preparing for what we hope will be a productive and balanced growing season.
Whether you’re part of the farming community or simply interested in what’s happening around the estate, spring drilling is a great reminder that everything begins with good preparation and a little help from Mother Nature.