Crops

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

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

Cover crops – a practical solution to improve water quality

Cover crops – a practical solution to improve water quality Tillage farmers were reminded of the important role cover crops can play in the protection of water quality, more specifically nitrate capture, at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, held yesterday, January 29, in Co. Kilkenny. Addressing the gathered delegates, Senior Research Officer […]
30 January 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

Pea and bean intercropping – lessons learnt to date

Pea and bean intercropping – lessons learnt to date Researchers in the Teagasc Crops Research Centre have taken a novel approach to producing pea crops by intercropping with faba beans. Starting with plot trials before moving to on-farm evaluations, Dr. Sheila Alves shared results of the study for the 2024 cropping year […]
29 January 2025

Benefits of non-inversion systems sometimes overestimated

Benefits of non-inversion systems sometimes overestimated Established to compare and contrast the performance of conventional tillage versus minimum tillage systems, results of a 23 year study from Knockbeg, Co. Carlow were shared with delegates at this year’s Teagasc National Tillage Conference, today, January 29. Spearheading this work and sharing some of its […]
29 January 2025

Setting the scene for the Teagasc National Tillage Conference

Setting the scene for the Teagasc National Tillage Conference Taking place next Wednesday, January 29th, in the Lyrath Conference Centre, Kilkenny, the Teagasc National Tillage Conference will equip farmers with the latest knowledge and tools to aid the overall sustainability of their businesses. Organised into thematic sessions and targeted workshops, attendees will […]
24 January 2025