Crops

Overcoming pigeon damage in oilseed rape crops

Overcoming pigeon damage in oilseed rape crops Tillage Specialist at Teagasc, Shay Phelan shares advice on how to boost oilseed rape performance after many crops have suffered pigeon damage over the winter months. Oilseed rape crops seem to have been heavily grazed by pigeons this year, more so than in the last […]
18 February 2025

Sit down and examine your costs

Sit down and examine your costs Before the main spring cropping season kicks into gear, tillage farmers have been encouraged to sit down and examine their costs of production. Helping in this regard is the Teagasc Crops and Returns 2025 publication, available to download on the Teagasc website. When used to examine […]
17 February 2025

Winter barley fertiliser and establishing spring beans

Winter barley fertiliser and establishing spring beans As ground conditions improve, Teagasc Crops Specialist, Shay Phelan looks at the optimum time to apply fertiliser to winter barley crops and shares key advice on establishing spring beans and managing pigeon damage in winter oilseed rape crops. Winter barley Winter barley crops are now […]
13 February 2025

Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania

Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania Jim McCarthy, who manages a large farming operation in Romania, shares his insights into the challenges of 2024 when extreme heat devastated yields across the country. Jim discusses how his no-till system has been of huge benefit for his farm and explores diversification options, including forestry, that […]
13 February 2025

Tillage’s environmental credentials

0 Tillage’s environmental credentials The environmental credentials of the tillage sector were discussed at this year’s National Tillage Conference and on this week’s Tillage Edge, we chat with Dr. Bridget Lynch, a researcher at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, about cover crops and their positive impact on water quality. We also speak with Dr. Giulia […]
6 February 2025

Achieving a high yield from beans

0 Achieving a high yield from beans In 2024, the area planted with beans reached a record 18,000ha. This was partly because farmers had fewer crop options due to a late spring, and the guaranteed income from the protein payment made beans attractive. Late planting leads to a late harvest. To ensure a […]
2 February 2025

Switching off the (b)lights

0 Switching off the (b)lights Pesticide resistance is an increasing challenge in crop production. The Teagasc-led project IPMorama seeks to drive crop resistance to mitigate issues around heavy pesticide use. The European Commission’s Farm to Fork strategy aims to create a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. It sets ambitious goals to reduce, […]
1 February 2025

What the tillage sector needs to manage with reduced pesticide use

What the tillage sector needs to manage with reduced pesticide use More resistant varieties, changes in sowing dates and crop rotations, along with the need for additional decision support services are just some of the mitigation measures the Irish tillage sector must adopt to overcome the challenge of reduced pesticide usage. Addressing […]
30 January 2025

Time to plan for field actions

Time to plan for field actions Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops KT, tells us that despite the persistently poor weather in recent days and the now waterlogged soils, winter crops are holding up well, with most fields maintaining a relatively green hue. While little field work can be completed in the coming […]
30 January 2025

Reducing pesticide use will reduce yields

Reducing pesticide use will reduce yields Pesticide reductions and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) were standout topics discussed at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, held yesterday, January 29. Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights. Meghan conducted […]
30 January 2025