Despite 2025 income challenges and uncertainty surrounding harvest prices in 2026, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, reaffirmed the importance of the Irish tillage industry when opening proceedings at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, today, January 28.
“It is fair to say the tillage sector is going through a very challenging time and it needs all the support in can get,” Professor O’Mara told the delegates in attendance, before referencing the Tillage Support Scheme announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D, as part of Budget 2026.
Stressing the Irish tillage sector’s importance in the overall Irish agri-food system, Professor O’Mara said: “For all of us involved in the sector, I think we do need to highlight its value to Ireland, its contribution to the overall agri-food system and to shine a light on the challenges and potential of the sector.”
Professor O’Mara continued: “There is a place for a vibrant tillage sector alongside our livestock systems. While grass is the main feed for our ruminant livestock, they do need some concentrate feeds. Our pig and poultry enterprises are totally dependent on concentrates, and Irish grain is a top-quality feedstuff given its excellent quality, its very low carbon footprint, and also its very reliable traceability and sustainable production methods. All those features make Irish grain a very attractive feedstuff.”
Away from livestock feedstocks, Professor O’Mara noted that the Irish tillage sector is the bedrock on which the large and valuable drinks industry in Ireland is built, with exports of approximately €2 billion recorded annually.
“Intrinsic to the story of our famous whiskeys and beers is the story of Ireland and its clean, green image and sustainable production systems. I believe having those products using as much Irish grain as possible contributes to their attractiveness.”
Other areas of importance highlighted were the tillage sector’s role as a destination for manures from the pig and poultry sectors, the production of forage crops such as beet and maize, and the availability of straw for livestock production systems.
Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, addressing the Teagasc National Tillage Conference 2026
“The Irish tillage industry generates a huge amount of economic activity, be that from the suppliers of inputs, the machinery trade and contractors, those who buy and use grain, and professional service providers, that all contributes to the economy and viability of rural areas,” Professor O’Mara commented.
Recognising the very important role played by agronomists, merchants, the seed trade, other input suppliers and users of grain, Professor O’Mara said that: “Teagasc is very anxious to work with you so that collectively we can do the best job possible for our tillage farmers.”
The Teagasc National Tillage Conference 2026, a coming together of farmers, researchers, advisors and industry stakeholders, affords attendees the opportunity to engage on the key challenges and opportunities facing the Irish tillage sector through a combination of thematic sessions and targeted workshops.
Photo caption: Pictured at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference 2026 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny were from left Adrian Joynt, retired Apley Farms Manager, Bridgnorth Shropshire; Dr. Roel Jongeneel, Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research; Dr. Steven Kildea, Teagasc, Oak Park; Jack Jameson, Teagasc, Oak Park; Jack Perry, Teagasc Walsh Scholar; Sinead Dermody, Teagasc Walsh Scholar; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Marta Niedzicka, Marie Curie Fellow; John Spink, Head of Environment, Crops and Land Use Programme, Teagasc; Kevin Hanrahan Teagasc; John Cussans, Weed Biology and Management Specialist, ADAS; Trevor Donnellan, Head of the Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department, Teagasc and Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science Department, Teagasc. Photo: Dylan Vaughan