With maybe just one or two exceptions, e.g., an odd field or two of winter wheat or Italian Ryegrass, all autumn sowings are now complete with resultant crops now up and away.

We are still experiencing good growing conditions and because it is still relatively mild - but muggy - the conditions created are a haven for some pests and diseases. Cereals - Aphids are always a problem at this time of year and its associated BYDV.

Oilseed rape - There have been a few reports of Phoma.

Edible brassicas - Again, a few reports of Ringspot.

Stubble turnips - Late sown stubble turnips are fast approaching their optimum grazing period, but unfortunately the mild weather conditions are ideal for alternaria. This first appears as small brown patches on the leaves, which quickly effects all the leaf area, resulting in total loss of the crude protein levels. All crude protein in stubble turnips is found in the leaves.

Alternaria does not effect the bulb at all, but if you do see an attack, it is better to graze early and forgo a small yield penalty, rather than lose all the leaf yield and protein.

All newly-sown crops - slugs - These are ideal conditions for slugs - both movement and egg laying. Although not actually decimating a crop, they can cause a lot of damage not just in cereals, but also that newly sown grass ley.

Forage rye - If soil conditions permit, it would be quite useful to take a pre-Christmas grazing should growth be looking a little proud. This will prevent early heading and will tiller the crop. Yields will be heavier and weed content kept to a minimum.

Weed content - The better the growing conditions, the greater the weed content. Action now will really be beneficial.

Chemicals - We are experiencing increasing levels of environmental issues on the use of chemicals and are now seeing ''Buffer Zones'' - especially with pyrethroids. Please speak to your local agronomist for specialist advice on all the potential problems that I have highlighted and while you are out there checking all your new crops, have a look at your older leys and see what action is needed in order to get production back closer to their optimum levels.

It is rather difficult to imagine that when I sit down to write my next report, it will be 2005. Where did 2004 go? What happened to it?

All that remains is to wish my readers - yes, both of you, a peaceful and happy Christmas and a profitable New Year. Meanwhile, I am sitting back, looking forward to my Christmas Card with an Aberystwyth postmark!