Some winter barley crops are now coming under moisture stress, particularly those sown-out in light soils.

Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan, said: “This is showing up as a form of magnesium deficiency. But it should not prove problematic, assuming that we get some rain over the coming days."

But of greater concern to growers may well be the combination of continuing dry weather and the sharp frosts forecast for the coming nights.

“Under these conditions, the potential for farmers to scorch crops, if applying a plant growth promoter to winter cereals over the coming days is significant," Phelan said.

Meanwhile, most winter cereals are remaining free of disease. The one exception is the confirmation of yellow rust in winter wheat crops growing in the north-east.

“Crops of Graham seem to be most affected by the disease,” Phelan commented.

If yellow rust appears in winter wheat, immediate fungicide treatment is crucial.

According to Teagasc, products containing pyraclostrobin are highly effective for rust prevention.

However, if the disease is already present, an azole containing tebuconazole will be required for knockdown.

The agriculture authority said that solatenol is another component that is a highly effective option for managing yellow rust.

Across the board, however, the yield potential of all Irish cereal crops remains extremely positive.

“We have seen a little bit of mildew in winter oat crops,” Phelan added.

Turning to spring planting, the tillage specialist confirmed an equally positive story.  

“The vast majority of crops have now been planted out and are in excellent condition. Many have now fully germinated are and looking extremely well.

“Getting nitrogen on to these crops will be key priority for growers over the coming days.”

One major advantage of sowing spring barley over recent weeks is the reduced need for insecticide treatments to control aphids.

Most March-sown crops should not need an insecticide unless there are aphids visible in the crop.

Met Éireann is forecasting a dry week ahead with winds lightening relative to recent days. This will facilitate tillage farmers wanting to get fertiliser spread on crops.

Some rain may arrive in northern counties next weekend, with showers becoming slightly more widespread over the days that follow.

According to the national weather forecaster, the weather is likely to start to become a little more changeable and unsettled next week, with low pressure to the south-east starting to influence conditions.

It will be a little wetter than normal in the east, but it will continue drier than normal further west. Temperatures will drop and will be closer to average.