Teagasc has officially launched the Rye Growers’ Guide, a comprehensive new resource designed to support Irish tillage farmers in optimising rye production for feed and food as well as for use in the drinks industry.
The launch took place today, Wednesday, January 28th, at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny, where leading researchers, agronomists and farmers gathered to discuss the latest innovations and opportunities in the sector.
The Rye Growers’ Guide provides detailed, science-based information on best agronomic practices, crop nutrition, disease control and the role of rye in enhancing crop rotations and reducing input requirements. It also includes practical insights from Teagasc trials, highlighting rye’s potential as a resilient and climate-smart cereal crop.
The guide is the culmination of a significant body of field research carried out as part of a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded research project entitled ‘Distilling and Brewing – Building Capacity’, which examined the potential of alternative grains for the distilling and brewing sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Teagasc Crops Research Officer, Richie Hackett said: “Rye has emerged as a useful crop option for Irish growers, offering good productivity, strong environmental credentials and economic resilience. This new Rye Growers’ Guide will help farmers make the most of rye’s potential while supporting Ireland’s ongoing transition toward more sustainable tillage systems.”
“The area of rye grown in Ireland has been increasing over the last number of years, but further increases will require increased market demand from end users and getting buy in from these end users will be key to future expansion of the crop.”
The guide aligns with Teagasc’s broader efforts to promote integrated crop management, soil health and greenhouse gas reduction within Irish agriculture.
Copies of the Rye Growers’ Guide were made available to conference attendees and will be available from Teagasc Oak Park or local Teagasc advisory offices.
Electronic versions of the guide are available to download from the Teagasc website.
Presentations from the Teagasc National Tillage Conference 2026 are available to view here.
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Photo caption: Pictured at the launch of the Rye Growers’ Guide at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference are: Teagasc Crops Research Officer, Richie Hackett; Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’Mara; and John Spink, Head of Environment, Crops and Land Use Programme, Teagasc.