21 November 2023

Wet October hits autumn planting

The area of winter-sown crops to be harvested in 2024 will decline significantly, a recent report published by the Teagasc crops team has indicated.

Due to wet weather conditions this autumn – particularly in October – the Teagasc Harvest Report estimates that the area of cereals planted this autumn is lower than the previous two seasons (see table 1). Farmers operating in the south of the country have seen the biggest reduction, while the winter barley area has suffered the greatest reduction in area.

Table 1: Estimated autumn 2023 crop planting for harvest 2024 (‘000ha)

The report indicates that the largest percentage reduction is winter oats, but it is likely that the area of spring oats will increase to compensate. Additionally, the cropping estimates in the table above could increase for wheat and oats, if suitable weather conditions arise for planting between now and mid-February. However, there is a significant area to be replanted in some areas due to wet conditions post planting.

The Teagasc Harvest Report also estimates that the area of winter oilseed rape is similar to 2022 at 15,000ha, which is a significant decrease from 2023. This has been attributed to sowing opportunities being scare this year, while the value of oilseed rape has reduced significantly on 2022.

As winter sowings are down, spring sowings are expected to increase again in 2024, similar to the situation seen at farm level this spring. However, the availability of spring cereal seed is a major concern for the tillage industry. Additionally, farmers must be aware that crop diversification (2-3 crop rule) is in force for 2024 and there has not been any announcement by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to the contrary.

Click here to view the Harvest Report 2023

Also read: Estimates point to a 20% decline in 2023 cereal harvest

Also read: Potato harvesting difficulties persist