Crops
Deadline for planting catch crops approaching
Despite an early finish to harvest on many farms, establishment of cover crops has been relatively slow so far, with very dry soils making conditions difficult in many areas. However, as Teagasc Crops Specialist, Ciaran Collins writes, growers participating in cover crop schemes, need to be aware of the different sowing date deadlines that apply.
27 August 2026
Why barley is the brewer’s grain of choice
Through a recent RTÉ Brainstorm article, Gemma Merrins, Laboratory Technician at the National Centre for Brewing and Distilling, Teagasc Oak Park, detailed how quality checks at every stage ensure that the barley in your beer results in a consistent, flavourful beverage.
27 August 2026
Key messages from the National Fodder and Food Security Committee
More than 50 representatives from across the sector participated in a meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, today, August 21, at Teagasc Oak Park.
21 August 2026
Fodder survey data highlights the need for farmers to be aware of feed supply risks for the winter ahead
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee was convened today, Friday, , by Chairperson, Mike Magan, at the request of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. The meeting was held on foot of the ongoing drought conditions in many parts of the country.
21 August 2026
Oilseed rape still the star crop on most farms
Oilseed rape has been a strong performer on Irish farms thanks to consistent yields, high prices and potential for lower production costs.
20 August 2026
No rise in common pyrethroid resistance in grain aphids, but new ‘super kdr’ changes detected
Two Teagasc studies find that the common knock down resistance (kdr) mutation in the English grain aphid has not increased in Irish barley fields since the 2018 neonicotinoid ban. However, genetic surveillance has, for the first time in this species, detected two additional mutations - including the “super kdr” M918L - signalling an early warning and the need for continued monitoring.
20 August 2026
Potato and vegetable growers under significant pressure
Prolonged dry conditions and soil moisture deficits are intensifying pressures on potato and vegetable growers.
20 August 2026
Planting cover crops using a drone
Drone technology is becoming more accessible and increasingly useful on tillage farms. On this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy speaks with Daniel O'Reilly of Aerial Ag Ireland about a large agricultural drone used to apply cover‑crop seed into a standing spring barley crop.
13 August 2026
Watch: AI-powered laser weeding in organic vegetables: A first-of-its-kind in Ireland
Lasers and artificial intelligence (AI) have long been the stuff of science fiction, but now writes William Deasy, Specialised Vegetable Advisor, some growers are using state-of-the-art commercially available AI-assisted laser weeders for managing weeds in their crops.
13 August 2026
Building resilience into Irish farming systems to future dry spells
A prolonged period of warm and dry weather has brought challenges to many Irish farms, whether that be issues with curtailed grass growth, water supply or buffer feeding stock outdoors.
12 August 2026