Unlike wheat, barley’s yield potential is largely set early in the growing season, depending on the number of tillers produced and their survival. To align fertiliser use with crop nutrient demand—the “right rate” of the 4R nutrient stewardship principles—growers and advisors should perform plant counts before growth stage 30 (late tillering, early to mid-March). This early yield estimate enables more precise calculation of nitrogen requirements and avoids over- or under-fertilisation. After this initial count, the first nitrogen application—typically 25–30% of the total planned rate—should be applied. A second plant count after GS31 (late March to early April) reveals tiller survival, allowing adjustments to nitrogen rates based on updated yield estimates. Early plant counts not only inform fertiliser strategies to promote tiller development and maximise yield but also help assess crop establishment success. This data supports decisions such as reseeding in winter crops if needed and guides future seed rate planning and sowing conditions for improved crop performance and nutrient efficiency.