The Tillage Edge

Controlling weeds and wild oats in spring cereals

Teagasc — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:02:46 +0100

Weed control is becoming more difficult with herbicide resistance of one or more weeds now on most farms. For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, explain how to get good weed control in spring cereals, even where resistance is an issue.

Shay says that sequencing weed control around wild oats can be effective in ensuring good control of all weeds while Ciaran says that tank mixing of a number of products in the same tank is possible, with some care, but he emphasises a strong growing plant is key to minimising damage to the plant.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How important will BYDV control be in 2026?

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Dr. Louise McNamara, a researcher with Teagasc, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about the threat posed by aphids and, consequently, BYDV this season.

Louise explains that the thresholds, or triggers for action, are similar to previous years, although ongoing research is expected to refine these in the future.

She highlights that crops emerging after mid-April are at greatest risk, while noting that location can also play an important role.

Aphicide resistance is an important consideration, but pyrethroid insecticides are still providing effective control.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Tillage Roadmap: Ambitious targets for the tillage sector

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Last month Teagasc published sector roadmaps, including the Tillage Roadmap 2030, which sets production and sustainability targets and outlines changes needed to advance the sector.

Achieving these ambitions will be challenging but vital.

In this episode, John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme at Teagasc, and Dr Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Research, join us to explain the roadmap’s priorities, practical measures for farmers, and how research, industry and policy must align to deliver that vision.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tailoring nitrogen for better returns

Teagasc — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:29:23 +0100

Nitrogen is arguably the most important input in agriculture, and applying the right amount in the right place is essential to maximising return on investment.

Dr Richie Hackett, a researcher with Teagasc, joins the podcast to discuss how farmers can get the best from their nitrogen inputs.

Richie explains that liquid nitrogen can be just as effective as solid nitrogen sources. Preliminary trial results also indicate that applying melted urea to cereals performs as well as applying urea in its solid form.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Critical field work to be completed as soon as possible

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:35:25 +0100

As spring moves into peak planting season, the ideal window for establishing several crops is closing quickly.

Conor Kavanagh, a tillage advisor from Tipperary, and Eoin Lyons, a tillage advisor from Laois, join the podcast to discuss spring planting progress in their respective areas and outline priorities for the coming week.

Eoin notes that good progress has been made across all crops, although a significant proportion of spring barley remains to be sown.

Conor adds that approximately 15–20% of beans are still to be planted, and growers will be prioritising these in the week ahead.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Yellow Rust is a Threat to All Winter Wheat Crops

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Changes in the yellow rust population last year means that all winter wheat crops are at risk of infection in 2026.

Dr. Stephen Kildea, a researcher with Teagasc, and Conor O’Callaghan, a Teagasc tillage advisor, join the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the threat that yellow rust poses to wheat crops this season.

Conor says that where yellow rust is allowed to establish, it becomes difficult to control for the remainder of the season, making early intervention the most effective strategy, while Dr. Kildea adds that all winter wheat varieties are now vulnerable, and that fungicide treatment will be required across all crops this year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Wait for the Right Conditions Before Planting

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:41:12 +0000

With the recent improvement in weather and a favourable forecast ahead, planting of spring cereals has now begun.

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists with Teagasc, join the podcast to discuss priorities for planting over the coming week and whether increased input costs are likely to influence plans this spring.

Shay says that typical costs for spring cropping have risen by approximately €100/ha, an increase of close to 15%. Meanwhile, Ciaran advises that spring beans should ideally be planted before the end of March to minimise the risk of a delayed harvest.

Both emphasise the importance of patience and waiting for suitable conditions to ensure well-prepared seedbeds before planting.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Getting the Most from Fertilisers as Prices Rise

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Rising tensions in the Middle East have once again caused volatility in fertiliser markets, pushing prices higher and creating uncertainty. With these costs increasing, there is renewed focus on ensuring fertiliser applications are closely matched to crop and soil requirements.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Veronica Nyhan, Soils and Plant Nutrition Specialist with Teagasc, discusses current soil fertility trends and how farmers can get the best return from applied fertilisers.

Veronica outlines how higher fertiliser prices are encouraging growers to consider using organic manures as a potentially more affordable nutrient source.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Field work to prioritise in the coming week

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:07:01 +0000

With the arrival of spring weather, Teagasc tillage specialists Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan join the podcast to discuss the priority agronomy tasks for the coming weeks.

Soils remain quite wet on many farms, and both Ciaran and Shay caution against rushing into fieldwork — whether that’s spreading fertiliser or planting spring crops. A little patience now, they advise, could lead to better results later.

The closing date for the Tillage Sustainability Support Payment is on Monday March 9th. All farmers with tillage should apply.

For more information:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/tillage-sustainability-support-payment/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Spring beans – what you need to know for 2026

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Sheila Alves, a researcher in Teagasc, Oak Park and Cork-based Teagasc tillage advisor, Michael McCarthy, join this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss what growers need to know about spring beans for the 2026 season.

“With margins remaining competitive compared to other spring crops, beans are expected to be widely grown again this year,” Michael McCarthy explains.

The conversation focuses on key establishment decisions, including field selection, soil conditions, drilling timing, seed rates, and achieving optimal plant populations. The guests also share practical advice on nutrition and weed control.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Home-Grown Protein: Opportunities for Beans in Poultry Feed

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Working with the EU funded VALPRO Path project team, Michael Hennessy visits agricultural grain drying and storage specialists McArthur BDC in the UK.

Michael speaks with John McArthur about the company’s work installing large-scale grain storage and drying systems, alongside their plans to process home-grown beans for inclusion in poultry rations.

The discussion explores how small-scale trials, along with results from large commercial poultry units, show that beans can successfully compete with soya in feed rations.

John also discusses how improved infrastructure and local processing could create new markets for UK-grown protein crops, reduce reliance on imported soya, and at the same time add value across the arable sector.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Why your sustainability story deserves recognition – 2025 winner, Don Somers, on the importance of the Environmental Sustainability Award

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Don Somers, the Wexford tillage farmer who won the 2025 Teagasc–FBD Environmental Sustainability Award, and Siobhán Kavanagh from Teagasc’s Signpost Farm programme, join Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge.

Don explains why winning the award was important to him and how it recognises tillage farmers’ sustainability work.

Siobhán outlines the awards categories, judging criteria, supports available to applicants and practical first steps farmers can take now to prepare for the 2026 awards.

The deadline for applications is the end of February and full details and how to apply are at:

https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change-air-quality/signpost-programme/sustainability-awards/about-the-awards/#apply

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The key issues to shape tillage farming in the years ahead

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

For the second in a series featuring talks from this year’s Teagasc National Tillage Conference, this week on the Tillage Edge we focus on research and the key issues that will shape tillage farming in the years ahead.

This episode highlights new research from Teagasc Oak Park with Jack Perry who provides an update on BYDV transmission in tolerant barley varieties; Sinéad Dermody discusses the suitability of rye varieties for higher-value markets; while Stephen Kildea outlines how chocolate spot in beans has developed fungicide resistance in recent years.

All the slides from the conference are available at:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-tillage-conference-2026-presentations/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How competitive is Irish grain production?

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:26:55 +0000

We begin a series of talks from this year’s Teagasc National Tillage Conference, focusing on the research and issues that will shape tillage farming in the years ahead.

This episode of the Tillage Edge examines Irish competitiveness, both at home and internationally.

Teagasc economist, Dr Trevor Donnellan, presents a paper prepared by Dr Fiona Thorne, outlining how Irish farmers remain competitive due to high yields, whilst highlighting that national averages can mask large differences between the most and least profitable farms.

Links to all presentations from the 2026 National Tillage Conference are at:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-tillage-conference-2026-presentations/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the National Tillage Conference 2026

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research, innovation and agronomy.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, previews what to expect this year.

To register for the National Tillage conference visit:

https://teagasc.ie/crops/crops/events/#NTC2026

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Prove It: Tillage Farmers’ AgNav Data & the Case for Low Carbon Grain

Teagasc — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:58:07 +0000

John Mahon, Tillage Signpost Programme Advisor, discusses why proving the low-carbon grain advantage matters, the limits of existing data, and why annual, representative figures from Irish tillage farms are essential to meet buyer requirements and ultimately support increased payments for low-carbon grain.

This episode of the Tillage Edge outlines what farmers need to know and why participation is critical for securing long-term value for Irish grain.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Cover Crop Control Options Explained

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:29:50 +0000

Dr Richie Hackett, a crops researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss managing large cover‑crop canopies.

He explains the range of control methods available and why timing of destruction is critical - particularly the timing of destruction for your crop establishment system.

Richie also explains practical dos and don’ts for direct ploughing of cover crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Upskilling will pay benefits

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

We’re focusing on continuous education and the benefits that upskilling can bring on this week’s Tillage Edge.

Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, and Phelim McDonald, Teagasc Tillage Advisor in Carlow, join the show to discuss how farmers can continue to develop their skills.

Shay emphasises that building knowledge - particularly around herbicide resistance - and putting that knowledge into practice is essential for the long-term sustainability of the farm.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Repost: Why the plough still pulls weight – and what’s replacing it

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This is our final episode of 2025, and I want to wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

I’d also like to thank you for joining me, Michael Hennessy, every week as we explored a wide range of topics throughout the year. It’s always great to meet people at events who listen to the podcast and to hear the suggestions for future episodes.

This year, Dermot Forristal, a long-time Teagasc researcher and a regular contributor to The Tillage Edge podcast retired.

An episode we recorded with him earlier in the year on cultivation systems proved extremely popular, so today we're going to revisit that conversation.

Dermot takes us through over 100 years of crop establishment practices, explaining how changes in machinery have influenced - and enabled - new approaches to soil cultivation.

He also shares insights into why the plough dominated for so long, and what factors are now driving farmers to consider alternative systems.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Lessons from the 2025 Tillage Season

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

For this week’s Tillage Edge, we look beyond the headline events and discuss the trends and challenges that have shaped tillage farming over the past year.

Richie Hackett, independent agricultural consultant based in Dublin, and John Dunne, Cereals Variety Manager with Goldcrop in Cork, join the podcast to discuss the tillage year.

They talk about what growers can take from a season marked by variable weather, shifting input costs, evolving disease pressures, and ongoing changes in crop performance.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A winter project - building your own GPS autosteer system

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

GPS technology is now commonplace on tillage farms but many do not have auto steer installed.

Francis Quigley, Farm Machinery Specialist in Teagasc, joins the podcast to talk about how he built a GPS autosteer system from scratch using the AgOpenGPS platform.

Francis doesn’t describe himself as an electronics or computer expert and maintains that building a system like this is within the reach of most people.

See a series of videos on AgOpenGPS here:

AgOpenGPS - v6 - YouTube

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Maximising your take home income

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

For this 2nd episode in a two part series, we re-join the conservation with James McDonnell, Financial Specialist with Teagasc, to discuss how farmers can get the most from their accounts and find out if there are other mechanisms, such as partnerships which can help them maximise their take home income.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Getting more from your tax accounts

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Getting value from your tax accounts isn’t just about reducing the tax you pay each year, they can also provide important insights into your business and help you spot trends over time.

For this week's Tillage Edge, the first in a two-part series, James McDonnell, Financial Specialist with Teagasc, explains how farmers can get the most from their accounts.

Along with highlighting the key areas farmers should focus on, James also talks through practical ways farmers can legitimately reduce their tax bill each year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The award-winning sustainable tillage farm

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:47:27 +0000

This week we feature a recent instalment of the Signpost Series with Don Somers, a Wexford tillage farmer and the overall winner of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Award 2025.

Don describes his commitment to soil health through regular soil testing, the use of organic manures, and the precision application of fertilisers.

Don also discusses the measures he has taken to protect water quality on his farm — actions that not only support his own business but also safeguard water resources for the wider community.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest Results: How Irish Tillage Performed in 2025

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciarán Collins, discuss the key findings from the Teagasc Harvest Report 2025 on this week’s Tillage Edge.

Shay outlines how favourable weather and strong winter crop performance led to higher yields and a national cereal production of 2.23 million tonnes of grain.

It’s not all rosy, however, as Ciarán highlights the continued pressure on farm margins and declining markets for some crops.

The discussion also covers oilseed rape, and protein crops, along with potential opportunities emerging in the straw market.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Autumn update from the Teagasc Oakpark farm

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:36:24 +0000

Teagasc Oak Park is Ireland’s most visited tillage farm, welcoming plenty of open days, international visitors, and discussion groups throughout the year.

This week, we’re joined by Oak Park Farm Manager, Brendan Bourke, for an autumn update from the farm.

Brendan chats about the different establishment methods they’ve been using, the new roller that’s been put to work, and how they’re adding extra vermin protection to the harvesting equipment ahead of winter.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Post-emerge weed control and aphid control in winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Conor Kavanagh, a Teagasc tillage advisor in Tipperary, joins Michael on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss weed control strategies in winter cereals.

Michael also chats with John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage advisor based in Wexford, about BYDV control strategies.

Conor first explains that it’s important to apply post-emergence herbicides as early as possible, as they’re far less effective on grass weeds when applied late.

John notes that, for now, the approach to controlling aphids in BYDV-tolerant varieties remains the same as for non-tolerant ones, though ongoing research is expected to provide clearer guidance on future strategies.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Benchmarking: Focusing Efforts to Improve Farm Performance

Teagasc — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:51:00 +0100

Benchmarking helps farmers see where they stand and identify opportunities to improve profit and efficiency.

For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy talks to Dr. Fiona Thorne, Teagasc Economist, and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist, about the latest Cereal Enterprise Factsheet and how to use Teagasc Costs and Returns to measure real farm performance.

They discuss the importance of calculating your own fixed costs, what sets top-performing farms apart, and how tools like the Teagasc Profit Monitor and Machinery Cost Calculator can help in assembling and analysing your figures.

See more here:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-farm-survey-enterprise-factsheets-2024/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Make every input count: adding to the bottom line

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:02:50 +0100

Professor Andrew McGuire from Washington State University joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how to assess the real value of crop inputs.

Andrew discusses practical ways to evaluate new products, bio-stimulants, and other supplemental products, highlighting the importance of evidence-based decisions and on-farm trials.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Digging into soil samples

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

We look at why improving soils is so important and how understanding the basics — from soil structure to nutrient interactions — can help you make lasting improvements.

Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Plant and Soils Specialist with Teagasc, joins us on the Tillage Edge to discuss core soil tests, key soil properties, and how tracking changes over time can show whether your practices are really helping your soils.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The benefits of pre-emergent herbicides

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:14:51 +0100

Planting of winter cereals is now underway, with good progress being made in the north-east, while things are moving a little slower in the south.

As crops go in, attention soon turns to weed control. In recent years, growers have faced increasing challenges from grass weeds like annual meadow grass and Italian ryegrass, particularly as resistance to herbicides continues to develop.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, Ciarán Collins is joined by Shay Phelan and Vijaya Bhaskar from Teagasc Oak Park to discuss how herbicide resistance is emerging, and to discuss the most effective control measures available to farmers right now.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Rye margins are better than barley

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:33:38 +0100

As winter cereal planting gets underway, farmers are focusing on crop mix decisions and the impact on farm margins.

For this episode of The Tillage Edge, we share the final talks from the Teagasc Crops Forum where Michael McKeon, Teagasc Pig & Poultry Specialist, highlights rye’s role in pig rations and the opportunities for home millers.

Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, presents financial data on rye and its potential to improve profitability and diversify rotations.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Is rye worth considering this year?

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This year’s Crops Forum focused on rye and its potential on tillage and pig farms with Dr. Richie Hackett from Oak Park, Teagasc, delivering the keynote talk.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, you will hear Richie’s talk that covered everything from seeding rates and nitrogen to disease control and beyond.

He also discussed market opportunities, while cautioning that growers should secure a market before planting.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Choosing Wheat Varieties for 2026 – Is Yellow Rust a Concern?

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:45:54 +0100

As cereal planting decisions loom, variety choice is more important than ever.

This week's episode of the Tillage Edge looks at how shifting performance and rising yellow rust pressure will influence variety selection.

You will hear the insights from Dr. Stephen Kildea who spoke at the Teagasc Crops Forum held earlier this week.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Varieties for 2026 - a report from the Seedtech Open Day

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

For this second Tillage Edge episode from seed company open days, Michael Hennessy catches up with Seedtech’s Tim O’Donovan after their open day in Waterford.

Tim shares insights on top crop varieties that can boost farm profits and warns that yellow rust could be a big challenge next year—though quick action in early spring will keep it firmly in check.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Soil Cycle Project & getting the best from organic manures

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ciaran Collins, a Teagasc Tillage Specialist, explains the new Soil Cycle project and its goal of developing practical guidance for farmers on using organic manures on winter crops in the spring.

The project centres on farmers and contractors, and Ciaran is currently recruiting participants. If you’re interested, you can contact him at Ciaran.Collins@teagasc.ie.

Ciaran also highlights an excellent job opportunity for an advisor and technician to work in the project. Full details of the role and candidate requirements are available at:

https://teagasc.ie/about/opportunities/current-vacancies/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Varieties for 2026 – a report from Goldcrop’s open day

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In the first of two episodes covering seed company open days held earlier this year, John Dunne from Goldcrop discusses the selection of varieties available this season.

He highlights several new winter wheat varieties with improved disease resistance, and also touches on winter barley and rye during the conversation.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Is oilseed rape for 2026 a safer bet than cereals?

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:18:13 +0100

Phelim McDonald, Teagasc's tillage advisor in the Carlow–Wexford region, and Shay Phelan, Teagasc tillage specialist, are on this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about oilseed rape planting for 2026.

Shay explains why oilseed rape offers a safer financial margin than cereals, thanks to its relatively stable price and consistent yield.

Phelim discusses seeding rates and rotational positions for both conventional and Clearfield varieties.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest 2025 – some record yields reported

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:12:52 +0100

To find out about the harvest progress across the country, Michael Hennessy talks with John Brophy, Teagasc tillage advisor in north Kildare, and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage specialist.

They share yield updates for winter barley, wheat, oats, and oilseed rape, and discuss early results for spring barley.

The conversation also covers how this year compares to past seasons and the prospects for later-sown crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Investing in the Future: Choosing the Right Combine for Your Farm

Teagasc — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:48:48 +0100

In this follow-up episode on combines, Michael Hennessy continues his conversation with Dermot Forristal, a researcher in Teagasc, exploring the practical decisions farmers face when upgrading or maintaining a combine.

They discuss the cost-benefit of new technology, ownership models, and how tools like yield mapping and RTK autosteer can support better farm decisions.

Dermot also shares advice for future-proofing your harvest setup.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

From thrashers to tech – the evolution of combines over the past 60 years

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Dermot Forristal from Teagasc Oak Park, explores how combine harvesters have evolved over the past 60 years on this week’s Tillage Edge.

From mechanical threshers to GPS-enabled machines, Dermot shares insights on key developments, the impact of farm size, and underused technologies that could boost efficiency. This is part one of a two-part series on combines.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest 2025 Update

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, discuss the harvest so far on this week’s Tillage Edge.

They discuss how, to date, winter barley yields have been above the five-year average.

However, Shay also highlights that some varieties have not performed as well as others.

Ciaran emphasises the importance of managing stubbles — both for compliance and weed control — and advises growers to carefully calculate the maximum area that can be cultivated or left fallow for birds.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What’s behind Ireland’s Grain Quality Assurance?

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Tom Kelly, Scheme Manager of the Irish Grain Assurance Scheme, joins us on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss how Irish grain meets high quality standards.

We explore the key elements of the scheme, its role in ensuring traceability and market confidence, and what it means for farmers on the ground.

Tom also outlines new requirements around trailer identification and what farmers need to do in 2025.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tillage AgNav tool, growing winter rye and tackling wheat diseases – highlights from the Oak Park Open Day part 2

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

We continue our coverage from the recent Teagasc Crops and Technology Open Day in Oak Park, Carlow.

Michael Hennessy speaks with John Spink about the launch of the Tillage AgNav programme which is an important new decision support tool for Irish tillage farmers.

Richie Hackett shares advice on growing winter rye, a crop gaining popularity in recent years.

And Stephen Kildea discusses wheat diseases, with a focus on why yellow rust has become more problematic in 2025.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Highlights from the Oak Park Open Day

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:00:42 +0100

For this week’s Tillage Edge, we bring you highlights from the Teagasc Crops & Technology Open Day in Oak Park, Carlow.

Michael Hennessy chats with Dr. Ewen Mullins about the event and farmer feedback, Veronica Nyhan gives a tour of the soil pit, and Jack Jameson discusses his wheat variety trials.

Packed with practical insights and research updates, this episode captures key moments from a busy and engaging event.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Oak Park Open Day promises to be a great event

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The Teagasc Crops and Technology Open Day is taking place next week in Oak Park and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Ewen Mullins, Head of Crops Research, and Dermot Forristal, Crops Researcher in Teagasc, preview the event.

As Ewen explains, it will take people most of the day to get through the full array of research and agronomy stands, crop workshops and machinery demonstrations, not to mention the horticulture area and potato desiccation area.

All are welcome and entry is free and for more details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/crops-open-day.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Evolution of Sprayer Technology - Part 2

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Sprayer technology has advanced significantly over the past decade, yet the core principle remains the same: delivering the correct spray quality and rate to the target area.

For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast - the second of a two-part series with Dermot Forristal, a researcher with Teagasc - Dermot discusses the latest developments in sprayer technology, including nozzle technology and where this technology can be best used on farms.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

US farmers are behind on plantings

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The grain harvest in the United States has a significant impact on global markets - and directly influences harvest prices here in Ireland.

So, for this week’s Tillage Edge, Brian Caldbeck, an Irishman running a seed business in Kentucky, returns to the show to discuss how US farmers are faring this season.

Brian explains that farmers in the Kentucky area are currently facing very wet conditions, which are delaying the completion of planting.

However, he notes that overall plantings across the US are only slightly behind the seasonal average.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Evolution of Sprayer Technology – Part 1

Teagasc — Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Sprayer technology has advanced significantly over the past decade, yet the core principle remains the same: delivering the correct spray quality and rate to the target area.

For this week's Tillage Edge podcast — the first of a two-part series — Dermot Forristal, researcher with Teagasc, discusses the latest developments in sprayer technology and how these innovations can support farmers in the day-to-day management of their crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How Don Somers increases precision on his farm

Teagasc — Thu, 22 May 2025 12:27:36 +0100

Challenges like weather, product availability and varying soil types often means that blanket applications are the norm rather than precise, targeted inputs.

This week, the Tillage Signpost programme held an event at Don Somers’ farm in county Wexford to explore how he’s applying inputs with greater accuracy and Michael Hennessy spoke to Don on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to find out more.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Dry conditions begin to bite and what that means for disease control

Teagasc — Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The dry conditions over the past 10 days - and with no rain in the forecast - means that spring crops in particular, are coming under pressure.

John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage advisor in Wexford, and Ciaran Collins, a Teagasc tillage specialist, join the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the key agronomy actions needed over the next week to 10 days.

Both John and Ciaran acknowledge the impact of the dry spell and note that, while the weather has reduced immediate disease pressure, the season is far from over.

Diseases such as mildew and rust could still become an issue, and they explain that adjustments to crop protection programmes may be needed on many farms.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Yellow Rust, Ramularia & More: May’s Disease Challenges Across Crops

Teagasc — Thu, 08 May 2025 10:25:29 +0100

The coming weeks are critical for controlling foliar diseases in cereal crops and Dr Stephen Kildea, researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the best disease management strategies for the weather conditions expected in May 2025.

Stephen highlights the increased yellow rust pressure in some crops.

“The main fungicide timings should be adequate to control this new yellow rust strain,” he says. “But I would encourage growers to examine their crops weekly to ensure the disease does not progress.”

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Crop management for the week ahead and UK farming realities

Teagasc — Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both tillage specialists with Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the key actions needed in crops over the next 7 to 10 days.

We also hear from Andy Mahon, a Dubliner and farm manager in the UK, who shares his experience of the 2025 season so far.

Andy highlights the stark realities facing UK farmers following the loss of direct payments and reflects on the shifting government attitude towards farming.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Why the plough still pulls weight – and what’s replacing it

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:45:23 +0100

The plough remains the most widely used crop establishment system in Ireland, but alternative methods can be just as effective under the right conditions.

In this Tillage Edge episode, the first of two parts, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dermot Forristal, a Crops and Machinery Researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, to explore the history and evolution of cultivation systems in Irish tillage farming.

Dermot takes us through over 100 years of crop establishment practices, explaining how changes in machinery have influenced - and enabled - new approaches to soil cultivation.

He also shares insights into why the plough dominated for so long, and what factors are now driving farmers to consider alternative systems.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How will the US tariffs impact Irish tillage farmers?

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The on-again, off-again tariffs being proposed by the US may have significant implications for Irish tillage farmers in the months and years ahead.

For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Professor Michael Wallace, economist of agriculture and food in UCD, to discuss the potential effects of these global trade developments on the Irish tillage sector.

Professor Wallace outlines the impact of existing tariffs and how new measures could further disrupt global supply chains - leading to uneven pricing across different regions.

He also highlights how this changing trade environment might present an opportunity for Irish policymakers to invest in and strengthen the domestic tillage sector, reducing our reliance on imports and enhancing national food security.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Why the Teagasc Crop Report is an essential tool for agronomists & farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:47:37 +0100

With crop inputs being applied weekly, farmers and agronomists face constant decisions around product choice, application timing, and overall strategy.

For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Denis Dunne, Trials Manager at Seedtech, joins us to discuss how he uses the Teagasc Crop Report as a vital tool — not just for daily agronomy decisions, but also to inform strategies for weed and disease control.

Denis explains how the Crop Report incorporates the latest research, which in turn underpins his field recommendations. He uses both the desktop and mobile versions of the report — preferring the desktop when planning season-wide strategies, and the mobile app for day-to-day use while out in the field.

Access the Teagasc Crop Report at: www.teagasccropreport.ie or download the app on Apple or Android by searching: ‘Teagasc Crop Report’.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The best use of plant growth regulators

Teagasc — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:12:07 +0100

Crops are growing rapidly, and careful management is essential to prevent lodging before harvest.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dr. Richie Hackett from Teagasc Oak Park to discuss strategies for reducing lodging risk and the best use of plant growth regulators (PGRs).

Richie explains that high nitrogen rates and fertile fields are most vulnerable to lodging, and he also explains that variety selection plays a key role, noting that Champion winter wheat is more prone to lodging than most other wheats on the recommended list

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Crop agronomy for the next two weeks

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:47:57 +0000

With the weather allowing farmers to plant crops and treat winter crops in ideal conditions, the only concern is the harsh wind which was slowing growth.

For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Teagasc tillage specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, to discuss how crops are progressing and the key management steps needed in the next couple of weeks.

Shay highlighted concerns about yellow rust emerging in crops nationwide, particularly in susceptible varieties in the northeast and he urges all growers to inspect their fields for signs of the disease.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Pig slurry in tillage - a natural boost for soil & crops

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We explore the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming on the latest Tillage Edge podcast.

Michael McKeon, Teagasc pig specialist, and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage specialist, discuss how to target the use of pig slurry on tillage farms.

We cover best practices for application, nutrient replacement, transport logistics, and regulatory considerations, while Michael explains that pig farmers are well used to organising the logistics of getting slurry to the tillage farm.

Teagasc are also running an event in Matty Moore’s farm in Offaly looking at applying pig slurry to winter crops using an umbilical cord system.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/signpost-tillage-walk.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

On-farm trials: turning research into results

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:58:08 +0000

On-farm experimentation or trials come naturally to some farmers, while others see them as a hassle or someone else’s responsibility.

On this week’s Tillage Edge, Jack Jameson, a Teagasc researcher, and John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage adviser working in the southeast, discuss how farmers can set up their own on-farm trials and maximise the benefits for their efforts.

John points out that when farmers don’t see much of a result from different treatments, it could be due to a design or practice error—but it might also mean there’s simply no difference between the treatments.

However, if a treatment has shown a difference in independent, replicated trials, it could be worth revisiting the on-farm trial setup to ensure it’s providing meaningful insights.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Integrating old ideas with new technology

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:42:02 +0000

This week on the Tillage Edge, we catch up with John Crowley, a Signpost tillage farmer from Wexford, to discuss his farming system.

Located in the heart of malting barley country, John is dedicated to producing high-spec malting barley each year.

Despite transitioning to a min-till establishment system and incorporating organic manures, he has successfully maintained the quality and consistency of his crop.

Tune in as we explore how these changes have impacted his farm and his approach to sustainable tillage.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What is the ideal tyre for your farm?

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:09:07 +0000

When the rubber hits the road, that’s when the action happens - and when tyres hit the soil, that’s when compaction may become a serious issue.

For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dermot Forristal, a machinery researcher from Teagasc Oak Park, discusses the evolution of tractor tyres and how they impact traction, load capacity, and soil compaction.

Dermot explains how the mix of machinery size and dual wheels in the 1980s provided an optimal balance for weight distribution. In contrast, today’s larger and heavier tractors are pushing tyre technology to its limits, struggling to distribute weight effectively and minimise soil compaction.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Applying nitrogen to winter crops

Teagasc — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:03:19 +0000

With spring just around the corner and crop growth set to take off shortly, Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist with Teagasc, and John Pettit, Teagasc Tillage Enterprise Advisor in Wexford, join this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss crop inputs for the coming weeks.

In particular, we focus on nitrogen application for oilseed rape and winter cereals. John emphasises that there’s no rush to apply nitrogen to most winter wheat or winter oat crops.

However, he does stress the importance of walking each field to assess individual needs - especially for crops that are weaker or in rotational positions that may require nitrogen a little earlier than others.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

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.

He discusses how his no-till system has been of huge benefit for his farm and explores diversification options, including forestry, that he has pursued in recent years.

Also, don’t miss our series of Winter Crop Workshops in the coming week – see more here:

www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tillage’s environmental credentials – report from the National Tillage Conference

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:11:46 +0000

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 Bondi, another researcher at Johnstown Castle, who discusses carbon levels in tillage soils.

Giulia shares insights from the Tillage Signpost Farms, highlighting that carbon stocks found in these tillage soils was higher than expected. One key contributing factor is the deep burial of carbon.

The conference presentations are also available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Reducing pesticides use will reduce yields

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

One of the standout topics at this year's National Tillage Conference was on pesticide reduction and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights.

Meghan conducted an extensive review of scientific papers and concluded that the evidence supporting pesticide reduction, whilst maintaining yields, is quite limited.

Meanwhile, Robert's research highlighted that expert opinion suggests a significant yield reduction in Ireland if pesticide use is curtailed.

Presentations are available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A preview of the National Tillage Conference

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research and advancements in the field.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, gives a preview of what to expect this year.

You must register for the National Tillage conference in advance and can do so here:

https://teagasc.clr.events/event/137544:national-tillage-conference-2025

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Farm Partnerships: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 4)

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

For the final part of our four-part series on farm succession, we chat to Ruth Fennell, a Collaborative Farm Specialist with Teagasc.

Ruth discusses Farm Partnerships and how these can be used to bring in the next generation to the farm structure, develop their skills, gradually devolve responsibility and also facilitate the transfer of the farm.

Ruth also talks about the tax advantages and pitfalls by going this route.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Key Steps to Successful Implementation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 3)

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

For the third episode in our four-part series on farm succession planning, James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, takes a closer look at the key steps to successful implementation and revisiting a succession plan.

James also touches upon how to bring professional services together to develop a robust succession plan.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tax Implications of Farm Transfers: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 2)

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

For the second of the four-part series on farm succession ,we re-join James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, to take a closer look at the various tax implications when planning for the farm transfer.

James talks about the tax exposure where the succession is not well planned and how to all but eliminate this cost.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Next Generation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 1)

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this first episode of a four-part series on The Tillage Edge, we explore how families can best plan for succession on the farm.

James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, discusses the key aspects of family farm succession and for part one, we focus on how to begin the succession journey, starting with family communication and the types of support available to help get the process underway.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Calculating tillage incomes for 2024

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Teagasc Economist, Dr. Fiona Thorne, discusses the key findings from the recent Teagasc Outlook 2025 conference on this week’s Tillage Edge.

Tillage farm incomes are expected to rebound after the tough year of 2023, with estimates showing a 40% increase in 2024 and further gains in 2025.

However, Fiona highlights the importance of context, emphasising that incomes are still below the five-year average.

She explains how these estimates are calculated, the role of cost savings, and assumptions for 2025.

Farmers are encouraged to assess their own costs using tools like Teagasc’s Profit Monitor or by consulting their local advisor.

To view the Teagasc Outlook 2025 report go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-economy/outlook/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Leading the Way in Sustainable Tillage, Part 2 with Tom Barry

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

For this week’s Tillage Edge, we rejoin Tom Barry, a tillage farmer from North Cork sharing how he's implementing sustainable farming practices using organic manures and reducing fertiliser use to enhancing biodiversity.

On this episode, Tom explains more about the rotation on his farm and we’re also joined by Teagasc Signpost advisor, John Mahon, to get an insight into the environmental profile of Tom’s farm.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Leading the Way in Sustainable Tillage: Tom Barry’s Environmental Journey (Part 1)

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Tom Barry, a tillage farmer from North Cork, who has recently been recognised with multiple environmental awards, joins The Tillage Edge for a two-part series sharing how he's implementing sustainable farming practices from using organic manures and reducing fertiliser use to enhancing biodiversity. Plus he discusses the impact of these actions on his farm’s productivity.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What does a good rotation look like on your farm?

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

A year ago, many farmers faced significant challenges due to the unusually wet weather, which disrupted their crop rotations.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage advisor from South Wexford, shares his insights into how farmers are adapting their crop rotations to suit both their land and the local markets.

John explains that there may be more than one rotation on a farm to account for variations in soil, whether lighter or heavier.

He also emphasises the importance of calculating financial margins on the farm to make more informed decisions.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Disease control in oilseed rape

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:27:48 +0000

Winter oilseed rape has grown strongly over the past month but these conditions are also good for foliar disease development.

Dr Stephen Kildea joins the Tillage Edge this week to talk about disease levels in oilseed rape and if control is necessary.

He encourages all growers to walk their fields to look for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot (LLS) and recommends if LLS is not visible, to take some leaf samples, put in a bag, leave in a warm environment and assess after a couple of days. If no disease is present then there is probably no need to apply a fungicide.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Organic farming - is it a viable option for tillage farmers?

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Organic farming is gaining attention as a viable option for tillage farmers, especially with the demand for organic feed in livestock production on the rise.

Martin Burke, an organic specialist from Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how the recently opened Organic Scheme could offer new opportunities for farmers looking to diversify and improve sustainability.

With profitability challenges in conventional tillage farming, Martin says the organic scheme is ideally suited to tillage farming where part of the farm can be converted to organic and continue to farm the remaining area as conventional.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Post-emergence herbicide options for winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:15:27 +0000

Over recent weeks, most farmers have had the opportunity to plant winter crops, with many crops well emerged.

Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist, and Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher from Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the best options for effective pre and post emergence weed control in winter cereals.

Ciaran emphasises that controlling grass weeds through pre-emergence or early post-emergence is essential for effective management.

Vijaya provides an update on ALS herbicide-resistant annual meadow grass detected across the country, noting that pre-emergence herbicides are effective on these resistant populations.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

With many crops just starting to emerge, it's time to think about protecting them from BYDV, or Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus.

Dr. Louise McNamara, an entomologist from Teagasc, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals.

Louise emphasises that monitoring for aphids is key to any Integrated Pest Management approach.

However, due to the challenges of correctly identifying aphids and determining whether they carry the virus, the recommended timings for aphid control this year remain similar to previous years.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Grain Markets: Global Challenges and Supply Outlook with James Nolan

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

With harvest complete, farmers now have a clear understanding of the grain they have available for sale.

While many have already sold their grain in forward market positions, others are considering deferring sales for several weeks or months.

James Nolan, a grain trader at Barnett-Hall, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the current market outlook and what farmers should expect as we move forwards.

James highlights the challenges of drought in Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as adverse weather conditions in South America. However, the underlying factor of abundant maize supplies is likely to keep pressure on the market.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Department of Agriculture Fertiliser Register – the actions you need to take

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:02:55 +0100

The Department of Agriculture now has a full view of all nutrients imported onto tillage farms and this week on the Tillage Edge, Pat Murphy, Head of Environmental Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, goes through what this means for farmers.

Pat explains that all chemical fertilisers bought and organic manures imported onto a farm are reported to the Department of Agriculture and the combined figures can be used as part of an inspection on the farm.

Pat also encourages all farmers to declare any chemical fertilisers which are unused as closing stocks to the Department through the Agfood system as soon as possible.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Pre-emerge herbicides will give you better weed control

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Weed control in winter cereals is essential to protect yields and to prevent weed seed return and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, chat through the reasons to prioritise pre-emerge herbicide applications in winter wheat and winter barley.

Shay says there is some flexibility in the pre-emerge application timing, however there is very little flexibility in the rates and he recommends using high rates to achieve season-long persistency.

The Teagasc Crop Report can be downloaded here from the Google and Apple app stores:

Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ie.teagasccropreport.app&pli=1

Apple:

https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/teagasc-crop-report/id1612644393

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Select the varieties which best suit your farm

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:28:46 +0100

As planting season begins, the choice of crop varieties will shape the management practices for the year ahead.

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the key factors in selecting varieties and why certain ones may be more suitable.

Ciaran advises that for larger acreages, a mix of varieties is crucial. He suggests starting with a BYDV-tolerant variety and then planting a combination of two-row and six-row varieties.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Comparison of Crop Establishment Techniques for Growers

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:47:07 +0100

This week on The Tillage Edge podcast, we’re circling back to the National Tillage Conference from earlier this year and focusing on the trade-offs of establishment systems with Jack Jameson, as well as the growing problem of weeds, particularly poppies, with Charlotte Morgan.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Assessing soils is the best route to healthier soils

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Correctly structured healthy soils will deliver better returns for farmers and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr Veronica Nyhan, a soil and plant nutrition specialist in Teagasc, joins the podcast to discuss why it is necessary to carry out regular soil assessments and how the results can be used to correct any deficits.

Veronica explains that a test dig can take about 20 minutes to complete and can reveal a wealth of information.

The assessment itself is designed to be carried out by farmers with excellent instruction available both on video and using the Teagasc Soil Structure ABC guide at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/The-soil-structure-ABC.-A-practical-guide-to-managing-soil-structure.pdf

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest results from around the country

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

There is a good proportion of the harvest completed and this week on The Tillage Edge podcast, Teagasc Tillage Advisors, Ciara O’Donovan, Conor O’Callaghan and John Pettit report on the yields in their areas to date with all three reporting good yields from spring barley along with reasonable straw yields.

There was agreement that winter cereal and winter oilseed rape yields were generally disappointing, with winter wheat, which looked to have potential, giving a poor yield.

All of the advisors put the low averages down to thinner crops with bare patches due to the poor weather all year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Mixed harvest results from Poland and the UK

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Tim Bergin, a Dublin man farming in Poland, and Andy Mahon, a Dubliner who manages a farm in the UK, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about their respective harvests with contrasting reports of a very difficult year in the UK and a year full of promise from Poland.

In Poland, Tim explains that yields were reasonably good and harvest was straightforward to complete with all grain saved at low moistures. However, in the UK, Andy reports a very difficult year with yields back by about 15-20% across the board.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Richie Hackett explains how cover crops offer multiple benefits for farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Cover crops have many benefits for a farmer and also for the wider landscape and this week, Dr Richie Hackett, Teagasc Crops Researcher in Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to delve into the benefits and pitfalls when growing cover crops.

Richie cautions farmers about using the same cover crop mixes in rotation with similar plant species and recommends a relatively safe cover crop mix that most farmers can use.

Richie also explains that an early sown cover crop can produce 4t dry matter, utilising up to 80kg/ha N and sequestering 1.2t of carbon.

However he says that predicting when or how much of the captured nitrogen would be available to the next crops is difficult to estimate.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Oilseed rape planning window is upon us - here's how to prepare for it

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The ideal time to plant oilseed rape is in the next couple of weeks and so Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the variety choice and best practice for good establishment.

Oilseed rape comes with a lot of in-built genetic technology which Shay says will help to achieve high yields but he cautions that growers should carefully choose the correct variety for their area with disease resistance and pod shatter resistance being very important.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The harvest in Teagasc, Oak Park - progressing well despite the weather

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The Teagasc crops research farm in Oak Park, Carlow, is in the middle of the harvest and Brendan Burke, the farm manager, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the highs and lows of the harvest so far.

Brendan explains that the winter barley and winter oats yields have been reasonable so far.

The farm also sells straw to regular customers but there was little interest in oaten straw and this was chopped as part of the Straw Incorporation Scheme.

Cover crops are used extensively across the farms with the go to mix of phacelia and vetch.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Money available for tillage farmers in the Water EIP project

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:11:00 +0100

Tillage farming has reasonably good environmental credentials but there is always room for improvement and Noel Meehan, ASSAP Manager, joins us on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the funding which is available to tillage farmers as part of the Water EIP project.

Noel says the project is targeting specific areas around the country, and where farmers are eligible, there are measures flexible from year to year.

Noel also outlines the payments for cover crops which includes options for summer and winter cover crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Kilkenny and Cork farmer talk about the harvest so far and the frustration over straw

Teagasc — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:21:43 +0100

Farmers, James O’Reilly, from Kilkenny, and James Hegarty, from Cork, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the harvest so far.

James O’Reilly says that winter barley yields were mixed and the average is likely to be lower than other years, while James Hegarty admits his yields are also mixed but he is happy with grain quality.

Both farmers expressed their frustration over the withdrawal and subsequent re-instatement of the straw chopping scheme.

They expressed their anger not only over the scheme and treatment of the tillage sector, but also voiced concerns about the straw incorporation scheme for next year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How improved genetics is helping to grow better crops

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:10:37 +0100

Not all crop varieties which could be available to Irish farmers are suitable to be grown in Ireland and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Tim O'Donovan, Technical Director at Seedtech, chats through the varieties which are available and why these are suitable to Irish conditions.

Tim explains the value of trialling these varieties in Irish conditions, as years like 2024 weeds out varieties which are just not suitable to our wetter conditions.

He also highlights some of the new genetics which are available in oilseed rape and winter barley this year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Wexford’s Gavin Tully on running his successful organic tillage farm

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Organic tillage farming may seem out of reach to most conventional tillage farmers, however Gavin Tully, an organic tillage farmer in Wexford, is on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain how he has successfully negotiated some of the problems associated with the organic system.

Gavin explains that he is a fan of cereal and protein mixes as it results in a well-balanced concentrate for his customers.

He also uses multiple ways to control annual weeds in crops to varying degrees of success. But in the end he says establishing a good crop stand is the most helpful.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

New varieties are bringing improved resistance

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

John Dunne, Arable Trials and Agronomy Manager at Goldcrop, joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to chat about the varieties coming through the system.

John first discusses the array of existing and new varieties that were on display at the Goldcrop Open day in Cork.

He outlines the disease pressure in all cereals but is particularly happy that the new winter barley varieties are standing up well against BYDV.

There are also a number of winter oilseed varieties coming through which have multiple stacked traits including resistance to pod shatter, light leaf spot and sclerotinia.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man living in the US, has concerns about the US crops

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The wet and cold spring in Ireland was mirrored in the US according to Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man, who is farming and running a seeds business in Kentucky, USA, and joins Michael on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.

Brian says the late planting into poor seedbed conditions will result in small roots which leave crops more exposed to drought and heat stresses. Although the risks are greater it all comes down to the weather in July.

Brian also chats about the US farm insurance schemes which most farmers participate in and he explains that these policies are necessary for farmers who rely on bank credit from year to year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tim Bergin’s crops in Poland are full of promise

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Despite reports of poor weather in parts of Europe, Tim Bergin, a Dubliner who is farming in Poland and is on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, says his crops are excellent and he is hopeful for a good harvest.

However, Tim does outline the very poor conditions experienced over the autumn last year and the lengths needed to harvest potatoes on his farm.

The soils on Tim’s farm are clay loam over sand and, if treated right, will drain well, even after heavy rain.

All straw is chopped and incorporated back into the soil and Tim is confident he is building soil carbon each year and improving his soils.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Key management actions for spring crops

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

As we move towards the end of the growing season, some final actions are necessary on spring crops. Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, and Eoin Lyons, a Tillage advisor in Teagasc, join this week's Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the critical agronomy actions needed over the next couple of weeks.

On the show, Eoin explains how reduced growth over the past couple of weeks has also slowed the progress of disease, however, he points out that net blotch in Planet spring barley needs to be watched carefully when deciding on the final fungicide application.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Kilkenny farmer getting the best from organic manures

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:54:37 +0100

Kilkenny farmer Kevin O’Donnell joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain how he is getting the best from organic manures on his tillage operation.

Kevin has been using manures for a number of years and is in the process of constructing a large over-ground slurry store.

Before importing slurries, Kevin’s advisor produced a Nutrient Management Plan so that Kevin could have confidence in the quantities of manures which can be imported each year.

Kevin says he will use the slurries to build background levels of P and K as well as contributing to current yields.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Minister Heydon outlines how the tillage sector can be developed

Teagasc — Thu, 30 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Minister of State, Martin Heydon, TD joins this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the recently published Food Vision 2030 Tillage Report which sets out 28 recommendations to develop the tillage sector.

Minister Heydon says the tillage sector is integral to the fabric of Irish agriculture and is a necessary part for all other areas to work well.

He also makes a particular reference to the value of the low carbon Irish grain and how this can support the overall exports from the country.

At the same time, he points to the fact that recognition is all well and good, but tillage farmers need to be rewarded for these efforts.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Grass weeds – their prevention and eradication

Teagasc — Thu, 23 May 2024 10:27:55 +0100

Grass weeds can be a serious risk to tillage farmers, and unlike the weather or international markets, grass weed prevention and eradication is something that is in the farmer’s control.

Teagasc advisor, John Mahon, and Vijaya Bhaskar, Teagasc weed researcher, are on this week's Tillage Edge podcast to discuss grass weeds and how important it is to be vigilant at this time of year to prevent spread.

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/grass-weeds/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Sequencing ag-chems for spring crops this year

Teagasc — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Spring crops will develop quickly in the shorter season and timing of the necessary inputs will be difficult.

Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, join this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about sequencing the critical inputs to crops.

Shay says growers should be cautious about nitrogen rates to ensure malting barley quality is achieved and Ciaran talks through how to sequence herbicides for broadleaf weed control and canary grass control.

These topics will be discussed in more depth at the current round of crop walks and for more details on the Teagasc Spring Crop Walks go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/events/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Minimising BYDV in crops

Teagasc — Thu, 09 May 2024 15:41:34 +0100

BYDV levels are high and it can have a significant negative yield impact in both winter and spring crops.

Dr Louise McNamara joins The Tillage Edge this week to chat about the current BYDV levels in winter crops and how to minimise BYDV in spring crops.

Louise says it is too late to control aphids in winter crops but almost all spring crops are at a high risk from BYDV and it is critical to control aphids with the correct timing.

For more details on the Teagasc Spring Crop Walks see here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/events/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A view of the year so far from two contractors

Teagasc — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Contractors play a vital role in the tillage industry and this week on The Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy chats to two contractors, Patrick Nolan, who is working close to Athy, Co Kildare and Padraig Noonan, close to Conna in Cork.

Both men outline the pressures to completing work during the past 10 days with Padraig saying they have completed most of the spring planting, however he mentioned a shift from tillage to grass in his area which is reducing the overall area this year.

Patrick Nolan has more tillage area to plant and feels he is a little more behind due to other demands such as emptying slurry tanks. Both contractors agree the poor winter pushed more work to the spring making it harder to satisfy all customers at once.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Life Scientific, an Irish company producing generic ag-chems

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Life Scientific, is an Irish company researching, developing and manufacturing off-patent plant protection products for the global market.

For this week’s Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy was joined by Ruth Stanley, the Ireland and UK country manager, to tell us a bit more about the company, and by Scott Lovell, from Croplink, who distribute some of their products.

Ruth and Scott explain how Life Scientific's manufactured generic products essentially mirrors the original product on the market.

Ruth says their R&D team spends a considerable amount of time investigating the exact makeup of the product allowing an exact replica which is acceptable by the registration authority.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Managing winter crops in the coming weeks

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, joined Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about winter crop management over the next couple of weeks.

First, Ciaran touched on the complexity of applying multiple products to crops which have not received any treatment yet.

He says that winter barley which is due to receive broad weed herbicide, plant growth regulator and wild oat herbicides, will need to be assessed carefully as loading the tank can result in crop damage.

Shay talked through the actions needed for winter wheat and he stressed the need to assess growth stages and leaf development as crops are variable across the country.

The Teagasc Tillage Helpline on 059 918 3533 is still open from Monday to Saturday, 9am – 9pm, for farmers who wish to get some help and support from the Teagasc Tillage advisory team.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Cropping decisions for the coming weeks

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:20:07 +0100

The continuing poor weather is forcing many farmers to change their cropping decisions and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, discuss the benefits and risks of making cropping changes.

Shay explains that the choice between planting seed which cannot be returned and leaving it in the shed for next year is made even more difficult as the weeks pass by.

Both Ciaran and Shay point to calculating a Gross Margin for a crop and maximising the payments like straw incorporation measure and the protein scheme.

For those who might like to chat through these options, chat to your advisor. Teagasc has also opened a Tillage Helpline at 059 918 3533 which is open for the next couple of weeks Monday to Saturday, 9am – 9pm.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Jim McCarthy’s update from Romania

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Jim McCarthy joins the Tillage Edge again this week with the latest on managing the 16,000 hectare farm in Romania and to share some insights on the global grain trade.

Jim discusses the agronomy of growing crops in Romania and how the farm is growing most of their crops using less nitrogen but with an increased use of digital farming methods.

Jim says the use of precision farming allows grain maize to be planted in exactly the same row as N fixing cover crops allowing a saving of nitrogen.

He points to the reduced grain prices leading to a larger than normal number of farmers who are now in financial difficulties but points out that the Romanian government has stepped in to help these farmers until this harvest.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Buffer zones – where to put them on your farm

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:09:00 +0000

Buffer zones are important to protect waterbodies and Hugh Rooney, a Teagasc ASSAP advisor, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about how buffer zones are necessary and what benefits these areas can bring.

Hugh explains that protecting waterbodies from nitrates, phosphates, sediment, pesticides and organic matter are all crucial to help the healthy status of rivers.

He highlights the areas on the farm where three metre buffer zones are necessary and also talks about the need for six metre buffer zones for late harvested crops like potatoes, beet, maize, root vegetables, etc.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Sean Kelly MEP discusses EU policy and the tillage sector

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Sean Kelly, who is a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South, joined the Tillage Edge this week to chat about how EU policy is put in place and the influence farmers can have when these policies are being devised.

Firstly, Sean welcomed the move by the EU to reduce red tape and is keen to follow this through to implementation.

He said farmers and the farming lobby need to have a greater input when the laws are being developed rather than when the new regulation is in the final stages of completion.

Here is a link to the consultation process to reduce the red tape:

https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/consultations/farmers-consultation-simplification_en

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Applying slurry to growing tillage crops on the Kepak farms

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

A recent Signpost farm event on the Kepak farm in Dunboyne, Co Meath focused on the use of slurry on their tillage farm. Sam Myles, the farm manager, Veronica Nyhan, a soil nutrition specialist, and John Mahon, Signpost Farm advisor, all joined Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge to discuss utilising slurry on a tillage farm.

Sam Myles explains that the farm produces enough slurry to cover 1,000 acres at 3,000 gallons per acre. He says the shift to applying slurries to the growing tillage crop has been very successful and substantial savings are being made on chemical fertiliser.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Try out the Crop Report for free

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The Teagasc Crops Team have launched the Crop Report Platform which is a comprehensive information hub for the agronomy of crops in Ireland. Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc joined this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat through the main features of the platform.

“Users can get access to information quickly through the new platform and the information is validated with Irish research trials,” explains Shay while Ciaran says that the ability to have this information as a mobile app increases the usability of the information when farmers and agronomists are in the field.

You can view it on the web here: https://teagasccropreport.ie/ and download the mobile app here: https://qrco.de/beIvC7

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Critical management needed for oilseed rape

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:58:38 +0000

Despite the cold weather, oilseed rape is actively growing. Management decisions are needed on most crops in the coming days and weeks and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, John Spink, the Head of Crops, Environment and Land Use (CELUP) in Teagasc, discusses the tools and management which should be used by all farmers growing oilseed rape to ensure high yield later in the year.

John says the Green Area Index (GAI) is a critical measurement for all crops to determine the level and timing for nitrogen.

“It is easy for growers to put too much nitrogen onto crops which will reduce yield by producing excessive flowers and also increase lodging,” he told Michael Hennessy.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Winter crop agronomy: priority actions are stacking up

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Many farmers are contemplating if their winter crops have enough plants to give a viable return and at the same time, are anxious to start the management of good crops on the farm.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, who are both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, chat through the factors that should be considered before taking out a planted crop and managing healthy crops.

“Many crops which were poor before Christmas are now looking reasonable and there will be sufficient plants to support a good crop,” explains Shay while Ciaran Collins says it’s a little early for nitrogen in winter barley but the first application with P and Ks is just around the corner on most farms.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Irish Specific Carbon Calculator

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:08:55 +0000

The National Tillage Conference which took place in late January this year, covered a range of topics around research and the future direction of tillage.

On this episode of the Tillage Edge, you’ll hear from John Spink, Head of Crops Environment and Land Use in Teagasc, who spoke at the conference on how to calculate carbon use or Green House Gasses (GHG) on tillage farms.

John outlined the new tool from Teagasc which incorporates the latest Irish specific information to ensure greater accuracy in the figures.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the Teagasc Regional Winter Crop walks

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Teagasc are running a series of Winter Crop walks across the country from February 13-16th and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, chats about what to expect at the walks.

As many crops are patchy or have poor establishment, Shay says farmers need to be more proactive in their own crops rather than leaving all of the decisions to the person walking the crops.

Shay explains that the winter crop walks will cover all of the main cereals as well as oilseed rape and beans.

The walks will provide all attendees with a blueprint around the agronomy decisions in winter crops.

Everyone is welcome to the crop walks and for more information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/events

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Fertiliser markets update and is Polysulphate for you?

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The fertiliser supply chain and costs have been very volatile over the past couple of years and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Liam Dunphy, the Managing Director of Gouldings, and Peter Scott, Technical Director of The Fertiliser Division in Origin Enterprises Ireland/UK, join Michael Hennessy to talk about the fertiliser market and also Polysulphate.

Liam explains how the Irish fertiliser market has shrunk by about a third over the past two year, mainly due to price issues. He is particularly worried about the drop-off in the use of Phosphate and Potash.

Peter then gives a rundown of a mined rock called Polysulphate which is rich in potash (11.6%) and sulphur (19.2%), which, Peter says, for tillage farmers, the product is generally within an N,P,K blend.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Plan your nutrients to maximise the value from your spend

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Fertiliser is one of the largest variable costs every year on tillage farms and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Veronica Nyhan, a tillage advisor in Teagasc, chats through the benefits of planning the correct nutrients for each crop in 2024.

Veronica explains that the basis of a nutrient management plan are soil samples which are up to date. Without these results there is no allowance for phosphate to this parcel.

Veronica then explains how the new fertiliser register changes the dynamics of how the Department of Agriculture can use this information during inspections.

There is very little, if any, wriggle room for farmers at inspection as the DAFM have a track record of all of the purchases of chemical fertilisers.

National Tillage Conference

The Teagasc National Tillage Conference takes place on January 31st in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny.

The conference will have a mix of research and addressing the current issues both in presentation format and in workshop sessions.

For further details of the conference and to register click here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/national-tillage-conference-2024.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the National Tillage Conference

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:57:18 +0000

The Teagasc National Tillage Conference takes place on January 31st in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Ewen Mullins, Head of Crops Research, Oak Park, Carlow, joins us to talk about the exciting line up and the change of format for the conference this year.

Ewen explains the change to the conference format is due to feedback from previous conferences and the desire to improve attendee participation in the discussions.

The conference will have a mix of research and addressing the current issues both in presentation format and in the workshop sessions.

Ewen highlights the different topics being covered including the exciting research where molecular screening is able to quickly map fungal pathogens which could be of concern to growers through the year.

For further details of the conference and to register click here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/national-tillage-conference-2024.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Repost: The Fundamentals of Soils: Soil Make-Up & Chemistry

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week's episode is a repost of an episode from January 2023 with Professor Mike McLaughlin, originally from county Antrim, who is a Research Professor with the University of Adelaide, Australia and is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with Teagasc.

Soils are the most important resource the human race has. Without a productive soil there wouldn’t be any farming or food production. Understanding the core functionality of soil is fundamental to a management strategy for a long term productive soil.

Prof. Mike McLaughlin talks about the basics of soil and how factors in soils help or hinder nutrient uptake. He also talks about the function of clay and how low pH can affect the very nature of clay including dissolving the clay and affecting the cation exchange function of the soil.

Prof. McLaughlin says that when DAP is applied to the soil it starts off quite alkaline but then as the ammonia breaks down becomes acidic which can help with uptake in higher pH soils.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

2024 – what to expect and planning for the year ahead

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Having an optimistic view is one of the cornerstones for all farmers, and although undoubtedly there will be challenges in 2024, there are plenty of areas that tillage farmers can still be positive about.

Farmers are playing catch-up in terms of planted area on most farms which may present some difficulties in the early part of the season, but if the weather co-operates, then hopefully farmers can establish the desired crops.

To discuss what 2024 holds, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins join Michael Hennessy on the first Tillage Edge podcast of the year to discuss what to expect and how to plan for the year ahead.

Teagasc Survey
Teagasc have launched a survey to help identify the areas planted this autumn. The wet conditions have persisted from mid-September to late-November hindering planting in all areas. This loss of winter crop area this autumn looks to be compounded by a lack of seed for spring cereals, which may lead to unsown land on many farms in 2024. Teagasc are asking for as many tillage farmers as possible to participate in order to get the best picture of the national areas as possible.

How much planting have you completed this Autumn? Will you plant more winter cereal in Jan/Feb? We would like to get your feedback to create a national picture of winter plants this year and your intentions for 2024.

See the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VQ2CQD

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Black grass and how to eliminate it from your farm

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Grass weeds are a problem on almost all farms in Ireland and the scale of the increase and the measures necessary to control them is less well known. Black grass is in every county in the country and while it can be relatively easy to keep it out, it takes vigilance.

To get a better insight into the topic, this week’s Tillage Edge podcast features Dr. Sarah Cook from ADAS in the UK, who spoke at the ECT Grass Weed Conference in November about black grass and how to eliminate it from farms.

You can also view the presentation at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOtyctCulNg&ab_channel=TeagascCrops

How much planting have you completed this Autumn? Will you plant more winter cereal in Jan/Feb? We would like to get your feedback to create a national picture of winter plants this year and your intentions for 2024.

See the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VQ2CQD

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Looking back on the tillage year & the learnings from it

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As the end of the year approaches, most tillage farmers will want to forget 2023. Unfortunately it will be remembered as a year of weather extremes and the resulting difficulties.

But it is beneficial to look back on how we dealt with the year and if we would have made any decisions differently.

To look back on the tillage year that was, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan join this week’s show.

See the link below
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VQ2CQD

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What to expect from the grain markets in early 2024

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The grain markets over the past few months have not hit the headlines but are still happily functioning in the background.

On the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Phelim Dolan, a grain trader in Comex-McKinnon, chats to Michael Hennessy about the current markets and what to expect in the coming months.

Phelim highlights how the world had a good harvest in 2023 and the stocks-to-use-ratio are quite comfortable.

The market has bumped along within a narrow range for the past few months but is in a downward trajectory. According to Phelim a large shock is needed for the markets to kick start into an upward trend.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Essential sprayer and tractor maintenance for the winter

Teagasc — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:32:59 +0000

Sprayer frost damage becomes apparent after the thaw and often when the machine is needed next and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dermot Forristal, a researcher in Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy to talk about protecting sprayers and tractors from frost over the winter.

Dermot highlights the importance of getting the dilution of the antifreeze correct. He says farmers need to factor in the water that is already in the sprayer in the overall dilution calculation.

Dermot also touches on tractor maintenance especially for batteries and he stresses farmers should ensure replacement batteries are correctly sized (amp capacity) for cold weather starting.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Drainage issues on tillage land – part 2

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In the second of a two part series on drainage, Michael Hennessy continues his discussion with Pat Tuohy, a researcher in Teagasc dealing with soil hydrology and drainage, to talk about field drainage issues on tillage farms.

Pat discusses how it is important to identify the sub-surface layer to a depth of 2.5m. This layer will dictate how the overall area should be drained. Where the layer is generally impermeable to water (like grey marl), shallower and more frequent drains will be needed.

However where there is evidence of water movement at depth deeper drains are more suitable.

For more information on drainage go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/Teagasc_Drainage_Manual_2022.pdf

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The options for weed control in winter cereals over the coming weeks

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:22:44 +0000

Very few of the emerged winter cereal crops have received a herbicide this autumn. Pre-emergence herbicides are generally the corner of weed control in winter cereals but this year alternative options will be needed.

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both tillage specialists in Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the options for weed control in winter cereals over the coming weeks.

Both specialists agreed that crop health had to be foremost in mind before applying a herbicide and you should delay the application of herbicides to crops, especially winter barley, which are struggling due to wet soils, slugs, etc.

The herbicide choices for winter wheat are broader than for barley or oats. Grass weeds need to be considered first for control.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Drainage issues on tillage land – part 1

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The wet autumn has shown up areas in all farms which are wet and may need some drainage attention in the coming months or years.

This is the first of two episodes where Michael Hennessy talks to Pat Tuohy, a researcher in Teagasc dealing with soil hydrology and drainage, about how to deal with field drainage issues on tillage farms.

Pat advocates regular maintenance of drains to be the starting point of any work. He says more frequent interventions will prevent larger problems and will help to protect rivers from excessive sediment loss during clean-up operations.

For more information on drainage go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/Teagasc_Drainage_Manual_2022.pdf

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

UK farmers struggling with the wet conditions

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Farmers in the UK are struggling with wet conditions and Andrew Mahon, an Irish farm manager in the heart of England, is on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the farm he manages and the wider experience of farmers across the UK.

Andy says they missed the very heavy rains and he managed to plant almost all the crops on time. However, about 40 hectares of the planted crops are not in a great condition.

Andy also talks about the threat of blackgrass on the farm. Where crops were thin last year blackgrass took over and trimmed about 2 t/ha of the yield.

Consequently, the herbicide load to keep blackgrass at bay is heavy and this comes with a high cost of £100-£140/ha (€115-172/ha).

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Oak Park farm update

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:09:40 +0000

Brendan Burke, the farm manager in Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, joined the Tillage Edge this week to talk about the progress on the research farm over the past few months.

Similar to other farms in the area, Brendan said there is about 80% of the normal plantings completed to date.

Brendan talked about the extra difficulties of planting around trial plots and having to be careful with the application of manures to land so that these do not interfere with future trials.

Brendan does not have any herbicides applied this year but hopes for a break in the weather in November to get started.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Update on planting progress this wet autumn

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:34:45 +0100

Planting progress of winter cereals has been slow in most places and at a virtual stop in others and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both tillage specialists in Teagasc, chat through the current progress and what actions farmers can take as the year closes in.

Ciaran said the recent floods in Cork have been difficult to cope with and recently planted cereals will suffer as a result.

Both Ciaran and Shay agreed there is a substantial area of cereals yet to be planted, with farmers in the northern half of the country more advanced than those in the south.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

USA harvest update: Brian Caldbeck from Laois talks about his experiences in Kentucky

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:01:44 +0100

Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man living in Kentucky, talks to Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge about his experiences in the US over the past 20 years.

Brian is very much involved in agriculture, running a business called Rubisco Seeds. The company supplies oilseed rape seed for the food grade market, with much of the seed coming from Europe. Why Europe? Because the market wants a non-GM product.

Brian explains that Kentucky is a small state in terms of overall gain production but it is still about one and a half times bigger than Ireland.

Maize and soya are the biggest crops and Brian says that, where resources are available, many farmers can achieve two harvests in the same year comprising of winter wheat and June sown soya.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How this Wexford farmer is getting the best from precision machinery

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 06:01:00 +0100

In the third of a three part series from a recent Signpost farm walk on Don Somers’ farm in Wexford, Michael Hennessy chats to Don Somers and Dermot Forristal, a machinery researcher in Teagasc, about how he utilises the information from the combine yield monitor to inform agronomic decisions each year.

Don outlines how he aligns the yield maps to better target soil sampling and then applies the precise nutrients load to each area.

Dermot Forristal expands on the capacity of machinery to record this data and also around the set up to maximise information flow.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Grazing cover crops with store lambs

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

The practice of fattening store lambs on cover crops is becoming more popular and Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Production in Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss how to get the most from the cover crops whilst maximising animal performance.

Michael explains that lambs will take a little time to get used to the taste of the new crop and a gradual introduction over a week will help. Once the lambs are used to it their intake will rise and they will thrive on the crop.

Michael also say that lambs will happily graze a mixed species of cover crops and in general they should perform well on these crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Getting the best from cover crops and organic manures on Don Somers’ farm

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In the second of a three part series from a Signpost farm walk on Don Somers’ farm in Wexford, Michael Hennessy chats to Martin Bourke, a Teagasc Advisor, about getting the best from organic manures and how Don Somers has utilised this resource to build soil fertility on his farm.

Ciaran Hickey, a Teagasc tillage advisor, also presenting at the event, told the Tillage Edge podcast that cover crops are a valuable part of soil management on Don’s farm. He also expanded on how Don’s use of cover crops has evolved over time.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Soil management on Don Somers’ farm

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In the first of a three part series on the Tillage Edge podcast, at a recent Signpost farm walk on Don Somers’ farm in Wexford, Michael Hennessy chats to Dr David Wall, a researcher in Teagasc, about the soils on Don’s farm and the best way to manage these soils for fertility, carbon storage and high yield.

At the same event Pat Power, a tillage advisor in Wexford, discusses straw incorporation, its benefits to soil but also how best to deal with straw volumes after harvest.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Matt Dempsey on mapping the future for the tillage industry

Teagasc — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:18:45 +0100

Matt Dempsey, former editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, and Chair of the DAFM Food Vision Tillage group, chats to Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast about the interim recommendations from the Food Vision Tillage Group.

Matt says there is an openness by the government to look at capital projects which could support the industry long term such as a storage/processing for proteins, and a processing facility for oilseed rape, etc.

Other areas in which the group will recommend some changes include the Tillage Incentive Scheme, land access, and access to plant protection products.

Also, don’t forget Teagasc are holding a field event at Don Somers’ farm, Oilgate, Co Wexford on Thursday September 14th at 10am.

Don is an innovative farmer who has a terrific story to tell about his farming practice and there is also a range of stands with experts from across Teagasc.

For more details:

https://bitly.ws/TzBC

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Managing hedgerows on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:02:14 +0100

Dr. Catherine Keena, a Countryside Management Specialist in Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the management of hedgerows on tillage farms.

Catherine explains that allowing hedges to grow wider and taller is very important to encourage biodiversity and increase carbon capture. She added that this can be achieved incrementally by trimming a little higher and wider each year to encourage a denser hedge.

A reminder that the Teagasc Crops Forum is on this Friday September 8th in the Kilashee Hotel Naas, and for more details go to:

http://bitly.ws/S6oo

Also a date for your diary is a field event at Don Somers farm, Oilgate, Co Wexford on Thursday September 14th at 10am. Don is an innovative farmer who has a terrific story to tell about his farming practice and there will be a range of stands with experts from across Teagasc.

For more details see:

https://bitly.ws/TzBC

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the Teagasc Crops Forum

Teagasc — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:26:59 +0100

Shay Phelan and John Mahon from Teagasc are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat through what to expect from the Teagasc Crops Forum next Friday in Naas.

Shay explained the forum will hear from Andrew Owen-Griffiths, who is head of DG Sante, which is responsible for the EU Commission's policies on health and food safety. Andrew will talk about the new pesticide regulations and how these might affect Irish farmers.

The Crops Forum will debate the future of the industry with stakeholders and will also debate measures which can help to drive the industry forward. These solutions will be forwarded to the Tillage Vision group for consideration in the final report which is to go to government in October.

The Crops Forum is on Friday September 8th in the Kilashee Hotel Naas and for more details go to:

http://bitly.ws/S6oo

Also a date for your diary is a field event on Don Somers farm at Oilgate, Co Wexford on Thursday September 14th at 10am.

Don is an innovative farmer who has a terrific story to tell about his farming practice and there is also a range of stands with experts from across Teagasc.

For more details visit:

https://bitly.ws/TzBC

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Plan your rotation to reduce risk but also to comply with Cross Compliance rules

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Planning for 2024 harvest has begun on many farms and farmers should bear in mind the crop diversification rule, or three crop rule, is in force for 2024.

Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain more.

Ciaran says that the three crop rule is similar to other years and growers should ensure they get the percentage of each crop correct.

Meanwhile, Shay gives an update on the new rule around crop rotation at parcel level. Shay says that each parcel must have a different crop in a parcel every four years, so long term continuous cereals is difficult.

A date for your diary is the Crops Forum on Friday September 8th in the Kilashee Hotel Naas, and for more details click here:

http://bitly.ws/S6oo

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Rule changes for grazing cover crops and oilseed rape planting season

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

New rules brought in this year under GAEC 6 will exclude tillage farmers who do not have grassland from grazing cover crops, according to Shay Phelan, a tillage specialist in Teagasc.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay outlines the DAFM rules which must be complied with to graze cover crops and what the DAFM inspectors will be looking for on farm.

Oilseed rape planting season is upon us at the moment and Shay talks about the various characteristics which farmers should look for in varieties such as light leaf spot resistance, pod shatter resistance, lodging resistance etc.

Also, a date for your diary is the Crops Forum on Friday September 8th in the Kilashee Hotel, Naas and for more details go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/crops-forum-2023.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Oak Park farm harvest update

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:11:42 +0100

Brendan Burke, the farm manager in Teagasc Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the harvest progress on the farm.

Despite the weather, Brendan says his team have made good progress and pretty much all of the ripe crops are harvested. However, Brendan says saving the straw was more difficult and much of it is still on the ground.

Brendan explains the process of harvesting in Oak Park as every field has some trial plots which need to be harvested by plot combines. This harvesting is slow as each plot needs an exact yield, quality parameters and in many cases physical samples may also need to be taken.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest update and stubble cultivation

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:01:00 +0100

Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to chat about the harvest and stubble cultivation rules which farmers should be aware of.

Ciaran said the harvest is stop/start with good progress being made in winter barley, winter oilseed rape and winter oats. He said yields are variable across all crops and no yield records will be broken.

Much of the winter barley straw is still on the ground and Ciaran said this should not be touched until there is at least three to four days continuous good weather.

However, Ciaran pointed to the volume of work that needs to be completed and the priority should be given to harvesting grain over straw or stubble cultivation.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tim Bergin’s update from Poland

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:35:05 +0100

Tim Bergin, an Irish man farming in Poland, joined the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the year so far and his harvest progress.

Tim said that a cold spell early in the year followed by a prolonged drought has affected cereal growth and he is expecting lower yields from these crops.

Tim also grows potatoes, which he was also very worried about until recent rains in the past couple of weeks. The majority of these potatoes are destined for the processing or chipping market. Tim reflects on the reasons behind the large increase in the contract price this year.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 4 – BYDV advice, ramularia control & beta glutens in barley

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

This is the final Tillage Edge podcast highlighting the best of the Teagasc Crops Open Day held in Oak Park, Carlow.

On this episode, Louise McNamara and Stephen Byrne, researchers in Oak Park, discuss the extensive research which will underpin BYDV advice in the future.

Deirdre Doyle, a technologist in Teagasc, outlines the recommendations around ramularia control in barley and Sinead Dermody, a PhD student, who is investigating how to increase beta glutens in barley, discusses her research so far.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 3 – Establishment Systems, Cover Crops & the Environment

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

This is the third of four shows highlighting content from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park Carlow and this week’s Tillage Edge focuses on the different establishment systems, cover crops and the environment.

First, Jack Jameson, a PhD student in Teagasc, talks about different establishment systems and farmer perceptions about these systems.

We get an update from John Mahon, the Tillage Signpost advisor in Teagasc, about the changes which can be made on farms to benefit the environment.

We also hear from Richie Hackett, a crop agronomy researcher in Teagasc, who says cover crops have multiple uses for a farmer and the environment, including adding organic matter to the soil, preventing erosion, mopping up leachable nitrogen and improving the overall soil health.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 2 - Protein Crops

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

This is the second of four shows from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park Carlow and this episode of the Tillage Edge podcast is focusing on protein crops.

You’ll hear from Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist in Teagasc, to set the scene about agronomy and where the protein industry can be developed.

Sheila Alves, a Teagasc researcher in bean agronomy, highlights the huge potential to increase production by using intercropping of beans and peas.

Sinead Fitzsimons, a researcher in the U-Protein project, outlines how specific processes can add value to proteins with the resulting products excellent for the food ingredients market.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

This is the first of four shows highlighting some of the research from the Crops Research Open Day in Oak Park.

Ewen Mullins, the Head of Crops Research in Oak Park, explains that the aim of the open day is to equip farmers with new knowledge and give them an insight into the new research areas that Teagasc Crops Research are working on.

Dermot Forristal, a researcher in Teagasc, also chats about the machinery demonstrations on the day, while Lisa Ryan, a researcher in Teagasc, talks about the new Brewing and Distilling hub in Oak Park.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Garett Browne, a min-till farmer in Wexford reflects on the year so far

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Garett Browne, along with his brother Mark, farms just outside Enniscorthy, Co Wexford and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Garett discusses the highs and lows of 2023 so far as well as reflecting on his establishment system successes and challenges.

Garett is running a min-till and strip till establishment system across a range of crops and is very happy with both systems. However Garett says that each system throws up their challenges each year.

The spring barley on the farm is not looking promising for harvest. Crops are thin and short and Garrett says that despite excellent establishment ,the rain didn’t come in time and the crops suffered.

Garett is happy with the winter crops and feels there is plenty of potential in these.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the 2023 Teagasc Oak Park Open Day

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

The Crops Open Day, which is held every two years, brings the Oak Park Crop Research Programme to the public, supported by Researchers, PhD students and Advisors and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crops Research, and Dermot Forristal, a researcher in crops and mechanisation, join Michael Hennessy to preview the event which takes place on Wednesday, June 21st.

We are again adopting ‘the event within an event’ style which incorporates a mechanisation related theme, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, which this year deals with stubble cultivation and crop establishment.

This year there are four elements delivered across five demo areas:

1. Oak Park research programme.

2. Stubble cultivation and Cover crop establishment machinery demo (with IFJ)

3. Mechanical weed control in Horticultural crops (with IFJ)

4. Support stands

The Teagasc Crops Research Open Day takes place on Wednesday, June 21st.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Put this in your diary now and for more details go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropsopenday.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Eoin Lyons in Kilkenny on his direct drill cropping system

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:26:52 +0100

Eoin Lyons, in Kilkenny, is using a direct drill system to establish his crops every year and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, he chats to Michael Hennessy about the lessons learned over the years using the direct drill establishment system and how his soils are changing over time.

Eoin said that despite his plans to establish everything in the autumn, he soon realised a good rotation incorporating spring crops was critical to the success of the system.

He said that he often uses a disc in the spring to help ground to dry out and warm up to achieve a more timely planting.

The Teagasc Crops Research Open Day takes place on Wednesday, June 21st.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Put this in your diary now and for more details go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropsopenday.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Strip-till establishment with Michael Grace in Clane, Co Kildare

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:44:48 +0100

For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy visited Michael Grace’s farm in Clane, Co Kildare to chat about the strip-till establishment system on the farm.

Michael Grace explains that yields are as good as any of his neighbours and he is very happy with the system. In order to use strip-till successfully he emphasises that it is critical to have a good rotation and also to only work the soils when it is sufficiently dry enough.

Michael uses strip-till to establish all of his crops from winter wheats, winter barleys, beans, oilseed rape to a range of spring crops. He says the system has worked well for early and late sown spring barley. However Michael did caution about the potential for grass weeds to increase rapidly.

The Teagasc Crops Research Open Day takes place on Wednesday, June 21st.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Put this in your diary now and for more details go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropsopenday.php

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Update from Don Somers’ farm in Wexford

Teagasc — Thu, 25 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

The poor spring weather was a key topic on the latest Tillage Edge podcast when Michael Hennessy chatted to both Don Somers, a farmer from Wexford, who is also participating in the Signpost Programme, and John Mahon, his Tillage Signpost advisor.

Don said he was forced to make major changes to his cropping plans this spring. Although these changes could affect the rotation on the farm over the next few years, Don is already planning on replacement crops to minimise disruption.

John Mahon, who is Don’s Tillage Signpost advisor, said that even though Don had reduced his bean area, resulting in increased chemical nitrogen purchases, he has mitigated this by being able to reduce the overall nitrogen input to his oilseed rape crops.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Spring cereal weed control and preventing resistance on your farm

Teagasc — Thu, 18 May 2023 12:59:36 +0100

Weed control is as important as ever in spring cereals and Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage specialists in Teagasc, along with Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher in Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the best strategies for weed control in spring cereals.

Shay explains that good control is possible with lower rates but the weeds must be small and the herbicide applied in good growing conditions.

Ciaran talks about the importance of wild oat control and how this can be timed correctly but he cautions about targeting canary grass too early.

Vijaya Bhaskar talks about herbicide resistant testing and he also encourages farmers to send samples to be tested for free.

The following contains instructions on how and when to collect samples:

https://bit.ly/3MrlcgR

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How to prepare for your BISS application consultation

Teagasc — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

With a substantial amount of BISS applications still to be submitted, there is growing pressure on all advisors to ensure farmer consultations are efficient so that all applications can be completed on time.

John Brophy, a Teagasc Advisor in Naas, is on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat through the major areas where a farmer can complete some pre-work before visiting their advisor.

John says that, at a minimum, farmers should write down the crops sown in each field. The farmer should have decided what fields ACRES measures, such as min till or cover crops, and also if straw chopping will be completed in this year.

John also encourages growers to have the measurements of field sub-divisions to ensure this is reflected accurately in the online maps.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Late sown spring cereals at high risk of BYDV in 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 04 May 2023 13:25:29 +0100

Late planted spring crops are at a higher risk of BYDV infection this year, as Dr. Louise McNamara, an entomologist in Oak Park Teagasc, explains on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.

To reduce this risk, she says, target an aphicide application at growth stage 14.

Aphid numbers are coming off a low base after the winter and aphids need 170 degree days for population numbers to double. A well timed aphid application will be sufficient to reduce BYDV significantly but this will not completely eliminate symptoms in the field.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Critical crop agronomy for late April and early May

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Planting of spring crops continues at pace but there is still a substantial amount of planting to be completed especially in the north east of the country.

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, join Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast with pointers as to where crops are not planted yet and also actions needed in winter crops.

Both specialists emphasised the variation in crops growth and the need for farmers to walk their crops regularly.

Ciaran said that even though it is late for spring cereals, switching to maize or beet should be considered very carefully as both have very high costs of establishment, dictating the need to have a definite market outlet for the crop at harvest.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Jim McCarthy update from Romania

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Irishman Jim McCarthy, who manages a large tract of land in northern Romania, talks to Michael Hennessy about spring plantings, costs of inputs, machinery capacity and why many countries have banned the imports of Ukrainian grain.

Jim says that due to recent rainfall, the farm is behind in the planting of 12,000 hectares of spring crops, though the recent wet weather has recharged soil moisture reserves which will help to drive yields this year.

Jim explains how he is trying to preserve crop financial margins by delaying fertiliser purchases as long as he can and holding off buying plant protection products, however he points to his low machinery costs of €100/ha being of real benefit in a year like this.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Critical crop agronomy for mid-April

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

All tillage farmers have a long list of crop management tasks which needs to be completed as soon as possible and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, chat through the critical tasks which need addressing on tillage farms.

Both specialists emphasise the variation in crops’ growth and the need for farmers to walk their crops regularly.

Shay emphasised the need to adjust seeding rates of spring barleys to compensate for lower tillering capacity of crops to ensure high yield, while Ciaran says farmers should choose fields carefully, avoiding light soils, if they intend to plant any beans from now on.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A view of current UK agricultural policies with Andy Mahon, a Dubliner farming in the UK

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Andy Mahon, a Dubliner and farm manager of a large farm in the UK, joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the UK’s agriculture policy and the frustration it is causing to all farmers.

Andy explains how the UK policy is centred on environmental policy rather than food production.

Furthermore, the income supports provided by the Basic Payment schemes have halved and are due to be eliminated altogether by 2028, though some of these payments can be recouped by environmental payments.

Andy says that many of the environmental options were poorly paid but given his farm establishment system and structure, it is reasonably well placed to maximise these payments.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Potential of Protein Crops Part 4: Growing the right protein in the right place for the right market

Teagasc — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:02:44 +0100

In the final episode of the four-part series on the potential of protein crops, this week’s Tillage Edge podcast looks at how a new European project Valpro Path can help develop new supply chains for protein crops.

Professor Milena Corredig, Head of Food Design, Aarhus University, Denmark, explains how the societal shift to plant proteins is growing with consumers now looking for simple and sustainable foods which have less impact on the environment.

Dr Ewen Mullins, Head of Research, Oak Park, Carlow, discusses the project and how it aims to link growers, processors and manufacturers of food with improved protein supply chains where the value of the protein crop is increased for farmers.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Darren Allen from Ballymaloe Farm on improving farm efficiency & the environment

Teagasc — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:53:02 +0100

All tillage farmers can make small changes to reduce the farms environmental impact and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Darren Allen, a farmer from Ballymaloe Farm, Co. Cork, talks about the steps he has taken over the past few years to improve his farm’s efficiency and also improving the environmental credentials on the farm.

He explains how the farm’s rotation has adjusted to improve yields but he has still seen benefits in soil health along the way.

Ciara O’Donovan, a Teagasc tillage advisor in Cork, and also Darren’s advisor, was also on the podcast and spoke very highly about the strides Darren has made in improving water quality, space for nature areas on the farm and also efficiency of nutrient use on the farm.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Setting your fertiliser spreader for Urea

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The switch to urea on tillage farms comes with the added risk of uneven spreading and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Francis Quigley, a Machinery Specialist in Teagasc, discusses fertiliser spreader settings for urea.

Francis says that many spreaders require a specific vein for urea and he has come across spreaders with badly damaged veins which were not capable of spreading any fertiliser evenly.

There is a need to calibrate the flow of fertiliser, especially where the fertiliser has been in the yard for some time.

Francis also highlights the need for in-field tray tests to ensure the spread distribution is correct.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Potential of Protein Crops Part 3: How to increase the value of protein crops

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In the third part of a four part series looking at protein crops, on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast we examine if Irish protein crops can be transformed to supply the plant based protein market.

Mark Fenelon from Teagasc, is the project leader of U Protein which is looking at concentrating the protein content of plant materials to make food ingredient products.

Mark explains how the project aims to develop alternative plant product streams so that all of the plant can be used in higher value food ingredient markets.

Sinead Fitzsimons, also from Teagasc, is the project manager of U Protein and she outlines the process of grinding, liquefying and ultimately concentrating protein from plants.

She explains how beans can be milled into flour at 25% protein but this can be concentrated to about 60% protein or all the way to 90% protein called an isolate.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How to claim the Eco Scheme in 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The Eco Scheme is part of the new CAP 2023-2027 and will make up a significant part of farmers payments this year and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, outlines the eight measures which farmers can choose from in 2023.

Shay explains there are about three Eco Scheme measures which are particularly suitable for tillage farmers.

He says the Space for Nature measures are similar to the EFA of old and calculated in a similar way .

Most farmers should be able to count this as one option (at 7%) but this may fulfil the entire Eco Scheme requirements if it makes up 10% of the area on a farm.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Potential of Protein Crops Part 2: The existing use of beans in the market

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In the second part of our four part series looking at protein crops, the Tillage Edge podcast catches up with members of the National Protein Stakeholder Group to discuss the ambitions and goals of the group.

Mick Fawle, from Charles R Wynnes, a merchant in the south east, explains how the company helps to grow, purchase and use these proteins in mainstream and niche feed rations.

Mick also outlines the company’s use of peas for a specific Batchelors contract but also as a feed ingredient for calf and lamb rations.

Ciaran Collins discusses the attractive margins in beans this year while Mick highlights how crops need a good yield to realise these higher margins.

Mick suggests a 6.1 t/ha (2.5t/ac) crop of beans would have a similar margin as a 10 t/ha (4 t/ac) crop of spring barley.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Buying urea will save you thousands of euros on a typical farm

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The cost of nitrogen is stubbornly high but the cost differential between CAN and urea can be exploited to cut costs this year on tillage farms.

Dr. Richie Hackett from Teagasc joins The Tillage Edge podcast this week to chat about how to grow high yielding crops from urea whilst reducing the costs of production.

Richie highlights that a farmer using urea as the main nitrogen source on 40 hectares (100 ac) of winter wheat can save over €7,000 compared to using CAN.

He says growers should choose protected urea and he is confident equivalent yields and protein can be achieved with urea.

However Richie warns growers to ensure fertiliser spreaders are set up correctly to achieve an even spread of urea.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Winter Crop Agronomy

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As the soils dry out, farmers are beginning to venture into fields to plough, plant and in some cases fertilise crops.

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Teagasc Tillage Specialists, join Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss winter crops and the agronomic actions which are needed in the coming weeks.

Shay said planning is critical to get the best outcome and this extends to field crop walking and preparing machinery to preparing a nutrient management plan for the season.

Don’t forget, Teagasc are running a series of winter crop walks across the country starting on Tuesday, February 14th in Teagasc Oak Park Carlow and for more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Potential of Protein Crops Part 1: Growing Beans in 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This is the first of four episodes looking at protein production in Ireland and how it can be developed over the next number of years.

In Part 1 of the series, Michael Hennessy chats to Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, about the profitability of beans in 2023 and how to grow a high yielding crop.

Ciaran told the podcast he expects beans to be twice as profitable as spring barley in 2023 with the increased profitability helped by a larger EU protein payment.

Where planting is concerned, Ciaran said farmers should check seed TGW before planting as these can vary widely between seed lots.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Fundamentals of Soils Part 4: How to Improve Soil Health

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This is this final episode of four for The Tillage Edge’s special soil series and this week we return to Professor Mike McLaughlin, from the University of Adelaide, to chat about soil health and how soils can be improved.

Mike discusses how to measure soil health and how useful this measure is. Mike points to American research by the Soil Health Institute which narrowed down the parameters to determine a healthy soil to organic carbon concentration, carbon mineralisation potential and aggregate stability.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Fundamentals of Soils Part 3: Soil Testing

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This is the third episode of four for The Tillage Edge’s special soil series and this week, Dr Karen Daly, a soil scientist from Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy to chat about the types of soil test used to measure critical nutrients and the tests most suitable to Irish conditions.

Karen explains that there are many types of soil tests but the Morgan’s test is the most suitable to Irish conditions and this was confirmed in relatively recent research which compared various tests.

Karen says there are new soil testing techniques using spectroscopy which will add to the information available to farmers to better manage soils in the future.

These new techniques should be available to farmers within the next couple of years.

Next week, in the final part of the soil series, Professor Mike McLaughlin from the University of Adelaide returns to discuss soil health and how to improve your soil.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Fundamentals of Soils Part 2: Soil Nutrients

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The second part of The Tillage Edge’s special soil series sees Professor Mike McLaughlin continue his in-depth look at soil and its functionality with nutrients.

Prof. McLaughlin discusses potash and how it can interact with soils and plants, and he also talks about nutrient uptake through the leaves, the efficiency of this process, but also the drawbacks.

Mike, originally from Antrim, has worked in Australia for many years, however, he has collaborated for over ten years on various soil projects in Teagasc.

If you missed part one, you can listen back to that episode with him on soil make-up and chemistry.

Next week, for part three in the series, Dr Karen Daly, a Senior Research Officer in Environmental Science working in Teagasc Johnstown Castle, discusses soil analysis.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Fundamentals of Soils Part 1: Soil Make-Up & Chemistry

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Over the next four episodes on the Tillage Edge in January, we will explore the fundamentals of soils in terms of make-up and chemistry, how to measure soil components, the influence various inputs can have and how soils can be improved over time.

On this first part, Michael Hennessy is joined by Professor Mike McLaughlin, originally from county Antrim, who is a Research Professor with the University of Adelaide, Australia and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with Teagasc.

Professor McLaughlin established the Fertilizer Technology Research Centre at the University of Adelaide in 2007 supported by The Mosaic Company LLC and conducted many projects through Australian rural research corporations and the Australian Research Council.

Prof. McLaughlin talks about the basics of soil and how factors in soils help or hinder nutrient uptake. He also talks about the function of clay and how low pH can affect the very nature of clay including dissolving the clay and affecting the cation exchange function of the soil.

Prof. McLaughlin says that when DAP is applied to the soil it starts off quite alkaline but then as the ammonia breaks down becomes acidic which can help with uptake in higher pH soils.

Next week, Professor McLaughlin discusses a soil’s functionality with nutrients.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Farmplan and the importance of digital recording on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

With the year coming to an end, you may be reflecting on the good and bad points of 2022, trying to remember the areas where improvement on your farm is needed.

Recording your farm operation, whether it’s fertiliser, pesticides or other inputs, is critical to determining the margin per field or crops.

If you are not able to do this then it will be difficult to put in place the correct measures to rectify any issues.

Teagasc have joined forces with Farmplan to increase the level of digital recording by tillage farmers, and for this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Ben Hatton from Farmplan to explain more about the programme, how farmers can avail of the software and the benefits they will get from it.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Tillage Outlook for 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

As the year draws to a close, the Teagasc outlook is predicting tillage income to halve in 2023 in comparison to 2022 with many farms close to a break-even scenario.

Farmers need to manage their risks carefully next year and to discuss this, tillage specialists, Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan, join Michael Hennessy to look ahead to the new CAP, the Nitrates Directive and how best to balance high fertiliser costs with reduced grain prices.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Review of 2022 for Tillage Farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Tillage farmers were part of a roller coaster year in 2022. The year started out with uncertainty due to high costs, then to very high grain prices in mid-year, then to lower plantings in the autumn and a falling grain market at present.

Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan join Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the highs and lows of 2022 and pick out the lessons that can be learned along the way.

Ciarán talked about the uncertainty at the start of the year, especially during the first couple of months of the Ukraine war as costs were rocketing but grain was lagging behind.

Shay suggested one lesson we need to bring from 2022 is to use inputs more wisely, as was the case with chemical nitrogen and the use of organic manures.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Career Opportunities in the Tillage Industry

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 13:46:19 +0000

There are many different career paths people can take within the tillage industry, from tillage farming to all the way to becoming the CEO of large businesses.

Barry Larkin, CEO of Acorn, joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about his career to date and the varied journey he took to his current role.

Barry started his education in UCD and then spent some time as an agronomist in Australia before returning to Ireland.

Barry says that having crops’ knowledge as part of your education gives any person a passport to travel and work across the world as crops are the major enterprise in almost all countries across the globe.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Disease Control in Oilseed Rape

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:10:50 +0000

Despite the very wet weather over the past two months, winter oilseed rape has grown strongly but these conditions are also good for foliar disease development.

Dr. Stephen Kildea joins the Tillage Edge podcast this week to talk about disease levels in oilseed rape and if control is necessary.

Dr. Kildea encourages all growers to walk their fields to look for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot (LLS) and recommends if LLS is not visible to take some leaf samples put in a bag, leave in a warm environment and assess after a couple of days.

If no disease is present then there is probably no need to apply a fungicide.

Stephen also goes through the disease threshold levels before control is necessary.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The New CAP Regulations – Conditionality for Tillage Farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The new CAP starts in January 2023 and it brings with it new rules which farmers need to follow to receive their payments.

Michael Moloney, from the Department of Agriculture, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to chat through some of the changes around conditionality, especially land management issues.

Michael explains that, even though there are some new rules, most of the rules in the new CAP will be familiar to most farmers.

Michael also points to the interaction of the Nitrate regulations, especially around the establishment of green cover, as one of the major changes for tillage farmers.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Controlling slugs in cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 11:33:16 +0000

The wet autumn has slowed crop emergence and given soil pests such as slugs an upper hand to inflict damage on emerging crops and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, discusses how to monitor numbers and deploy control measures where necessary.

Ciaran explains that slug damage could come in a number of forms from grazing leaves, seed hollowing or cutting the emerging stem just below the ground.

Ciaran recommends setting up slug traps and following threshold numbers before applying control measures.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What you need to know about the DAFM Fertiliser Register in 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Tillage farmers will be required to register for the Fertiliser Database with the Department of Agriculture from January next year.

Finbarr Regan from the Department of Agriculture talks to Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast about how farmers will interact with the fertiliser register when buying fertilisers in 2023.

Finbarr explains that all farmers purchasing fertiliser will be required to register their herd number on the database and will be required to give their Herd Number to the merchant every time fertiliser is purchased.

The merchant will then upload this data to the DAFM database allowing tracking of all purchases.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Reduced potato yields with 30% still to be harvested

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The weather through 2022 has adversely affected potato yields and a reduction of at least 15% is expected.

The very wet weather has delayed harvest and more yield losses are expected from these unharvested crops.

On the Tillage Edge this week Shay Phelan, a potato specialist in Teagasc, discusses how potato farmers are coping with the wet conditions and extremely high costs this year.

Shay says that there is approximately 20-30% of the potato crop unharvested and higher field losses can be expected.

Shay also says that not only will growers spend more money on harvesting and storage of these crops, but the storage losses will also be higher.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Management of later sown winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Later sown crops that did not receive a pre-emergence herbicide present more challenges for growers to control grass weeds this autumn and Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist, joined the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how to manage these later sown crops over the coming months, including weed control options.

Ciaran emphasises the importance of early control of annual meadow grass in winter barley as there are no options later in the season. Where a pre-emerge is not applied, then a post-emerge application can be effective, as long as the annual meadow grass is not into the tillering stage.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Pros & Cons of Converting to Organic

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Ireland has a relatively small organic sector and the number of tillage farmers within this is smaller again, however there is now a sustained drive from the EU and the government to convert more farms to organic production and to grow this market.

Martin Bourke is a specialist tillage, organic advisor with Teagasc and he joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to discuss some of the pros and cons of converting to an organic, tillage farm.

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Strategies to deal with the threat posed by aphids

Teagasc — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Winter cereal plantings are continuing apace this week, albeit growers are grabbing every chance they have through the bands of rain every 2-3 days.

Last year BYDV was a problem on many farms, and not only farms with early sown crops, but later sown crops in the south of the country were also badly affected in places.

It’s important to understand when crops are most at risk and the best strategies to deal with this threat and so Dr Louise McNamara, an entomologist from Oak Park, joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss and advise on the threat posed by aphids this year.

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For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

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Waterford farmer, Bill Shanahan, on the benefits of his non-plough based tillage system

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Continuing a series of interviews with tillage farmers who are involved with the various programmes in Teagasc, on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy finds out more about the Enable Conservation Tillage Project which enables farmers to embrace non-plough based tillage systems whilst at the same time cope with grass weeds that can emerge.

Bill Shanahan, a farmer from Waterford, and his Teagasc ECT Project advisor, John Mahon, join Michael to discuss Bill’s experiences so far.

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The Crops Forum Part 2: Fertiliser Supply & Costs

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Following on from the Crops Forum which was held recently, on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, you’ll hear from moderator Andy Doyle discussing the issue of fertiliser supply and costs with Kieran McEvoy from the IFA, Clive Carter from IGG, as well as Donal Maloney from Tirlán, Enda McDonald from Grassland Agro, Bill Callanan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc’s tillage specialist, Ciarán Collins.

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The Crops Forum Part 1: the Financial Risks for the Year Ahead

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The Crops Forum was held recently with an excellent line up and a very interesting discussion from a panel of experts across the country.

And on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, you’ll hear from moderator Andy Doyle discussing the financial risks of the year ahead with Kieran McEvoy from the IFA, Clive Carter from IGG, as well as Donal Maloney from Tirlán, Enda McDonald from Grassland Agro, Bill Callanan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc’s tillage specialist, Ciarán Collins.

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For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

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Here’s how you can help shape the new pesticide regulations

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:31:32 +0100

Application of pesticides is highly regulated but new rules are coming down the track which are being formulated by the EU at the moment and Anne Marie Dillon from the Department of Agriculture and the Marine joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to outline what is contained in these EU proposals.

The areas of concern include: increased recording at farm level, reductions of PPPs by 50%, changes on how advice can be given by advisors and prohibitions on applying pesticides in sensitive areas.

Many of these proposals will have far reaching consequences for the industry but farmers and industry can have their say to feed into the process before the rules are signed off.

You can click here to start the process:

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12413-Pesticides-sustainable-use-updated-EU-rules-_en

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How this Meath Signpost farmer aims to minimise pesticide use

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Vincent Macken is a Tillage Signpost farmer in county Meath and along with his Teagasc advisor, Shane Kennedy, he joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss sustainable farming in practice.

Vincent said he is developing practices on the farm such as increasing the number of crops in the rotation and focusing on healthy soils both of which are helping to reduce inputs whilst also maintaining profitability.

Shane Kennedy described some of the practices that Vincent uses on his farm including a farm trial where insecticide use is critically evaluated in terms of BYDV control.

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Choose your herbicides carefully for weed control in oilseed rape

Teagasc — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The dry soils are making oilseed rape weed control difficult and choosing the correct options will maximise control but also minimise crop effects.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Ciarán Collins, a tillage specialist in Teagasc, discusses the benefits and drawbacks from a number of different approaches.

Ciarán explains that residual herbicides don’t work well in dry soils and growers should be cautious when using these herbicides when heavy rain is forecast.

Ciarán also pointed out that oilseed rape gives an excellent opportunity to control grass weeds using herbicides with a different mode of action than are normally used on the farm.

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Is solar electricity a good option for tillage farmers?

Teagasc — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:19:00 +0100

Solar electricity from Photo Voltaic (PV) panels can be suitable for tillage farmers who are using a lot of energy such as potato or grain stores and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Barry Caslin, a Bioenergy Specialist in Teagasc, discusses how PV can be useful to tillage farmers.

Barry explains that to get the best from these systems, self-use of the generated electricity will give the best paybacks.

Barry also chats through figures on the capital outlay, expected outputs and paybacks.

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Why oilseed rape is a good choice for 2023

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Oilseed rape will give comparable margins in 2023 to winter wheat and is a crop worth consideration on most farms and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Dermot Forristal from Teagasc discuss the varieties, establishment methods and early crop management of oilseed rape.

According to Shay, choosing a variety with high light leaf spot and pod shatter resistance is a good starting point but there are other traits which can be looked at including Phoma resistance or a Clearfield variety which is matched to a specific herbicide allowing to control other brassicia species in the field.

Dermot Forristal said oilseed rape is resilient and will give similar yields when planted with different establishment systems, providing plants are evenly spaced through the field.

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UK harvest almost finished - the latest from Dubliner, Andy Mahon

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The Tillage Edge chatted to Andy Mahon, who is a farm manager in North Bedfordshire in the UK. Andy, originally from Dublin, is almost finished the harvest already. Andy said this has been the earliest, and easiest harvest he has ever been involved in. Crops developed earlier than normal through the spring and the lack of water has not helped yields.

Andy said yields are 10% lower than the farm long term averages but the quality is excellent and he is hoping wheat crops will achieve milling specification. Andy is concerned about the high risks of production for next year but has purchased all the fertilisers already so he will continue growing wheat.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

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Is stubble cultivation necessary on your farm this harvest ?

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Ted Massey, from the Nitrates Section at the Department of Agriculture, joined the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the new rules around stubble cultivation. These rules are intended to encourage plants to grow and mop up nitrogen, which could be leached to ground water. Ted chatted through a number of important clarifications to the rules and how farmers can best follow the rules at farm level.

Ted said “We listened to the farming community and Teagasc and as a result the clarified rules will both reduce nitrate leaching from tillage land but also leave space for nature”. Ted mentioned that the Department of Agriculture would add more information on their website to provide more clarity to the rules.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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Wheat yields down 43% - harvest update from Jim McCarthy in Romania

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Jim McCarthy joined the Tillage Edge podcast from Romania this week to give an update on the progress of his harvest and an overview of the harvest in his part of the world.

Jim said that the lack of rainfall so far in the growing season has been compounded by recent prolonged high temperatures and as a result, wheat yields are 40% lower than normal.

He also said he thinks the summer crops such as maize and sunflowers will be severely affected unless they get rain in the coming weeks.

Jim explained that the entire region is suffering and the predicted Romanian maize harvest has been revised from 15 million tonnes to 7.9 million tonnes.

Looking forward to next year, he has forward bought some fertiliser but the farm rotation will change to mitigate some of the risk for 2023.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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Harvest 2022: the progress so far

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The harvest so far has been a mixed affair with relatively poor winter barley yields across the country.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, John Pettit and Conor Kavanagh, both Teagasc tillage advisors, discuss the results so far from the south east and the south of the country.

Conor says the poor winter barley yields are probably a combination of earlier drilling which increased the levels of BYDV and take all. Yields were very poor in crops that had high levels of BYDV.

Farmers in the south-east were affected by BYDV also but John pointed out that take all probably had a large effect on barley in a poor rotational. John added that yields, so far, in winter oats are close or above average.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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The combine harvester settings to harvest crops more efficiently

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Shay Phelan talks to Dermot Forristal and Brendan Burke from Oak Park on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss combine harvester settings to ensure that crops are harvested as efficiently as possible.

Both Dermot and Brendan emphasise the need to adjust the setting to take account of the crop and the harvesting conditions to get a good sample and to reduce losses.

Both also discuss how to reduce compaction on soils during harvest which may have long term consequences for fields, especially those in reduced cultivation systems.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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How to control potato blight

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:29:47 +0100

Dr. Steven Kildea joins Shay Phelan on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to talk about potato blight.

Steven describes the conditions that favour the development of blight in a crop and also how to control the fungus.

Steven also discusses how a new strain of blight has been found in Ireland which has resistance to one of the popular fungicides used both commercially and by hobby growers.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Value of Straw in 2022

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Input prices have skyrocketed but at the same time the value of outputs have also increased. The value of chemical P and K has doubled, therefore the value of the P and K in straw has also doubled.

On the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Mark Plunkett and Dermot Forristal from Teagasc, discuss the value of straw and how best to incorporate straw this year.

Dermot also chats about the best techniques to incorporate straw and where a tine cultivator can work better than disc cultivators. He says that one of the most important things is to ensure straw is spread evenly across the full width of the header.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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Is a record harvest on the cards?

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how crops have developed over the season and to look forward to the harvest.

They both touched on the major features of the season and pointed to the generally low disease pressure this year and agree that, given where crops are at the moment, there is excellent yield potential in all crops.

Shay also discussed oilseed rape desiccation from assessment to the products which can be used and he pointed out that careful assessment of the seed in pods is critical before desiccation can begin.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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Successfully managing grassweeds in tillage

Teagasc — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:45:06 +0100

Grassweeds in tillage crops are becoming more common but John Mahon,Teagasc ECT advisor, is on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast and says that any grass weed population can be successfully managed.

John says farmers should take a zero tolerance approach to weeds such as blackgrass and ryegrass as these weeds are hugely prolific seed producers and are hard to eliminate if they become established.

There are a number of herbicides, which form part of the control measures, but using the same herbicide types too often will encourage herbicide resistance.

John points to multiple resistant populations which many Irish farmers are trying to deal with at the moment.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

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BYDV - how bad is it this year?

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

This year BYDV is evident in both winter and spring crops despite many farmers’ best efforts trying to control aphids which spread the virus.

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Louise McNamara, an entomologist from Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow discussed the virus spread and what makes this year different to other years.

Yield reduction in crops is likely where there is a large BYDV infection but Louise said that the extent of the yield loss depends on how early the crop was infected and also the type of BYDV strain infecting the plant.

Counts so far this year revealed that infected tillers did not exceed 8% of total tillers, which in previous research was classed as a low infection resulting in minimal yield loss.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A new prediction tool for Potato Blight spread

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Potato blight can be every bit as damaging in 2022 as it was in 1845. Blight is a devastating organism but relatively predictable as it needs specific conditions to develop during the growing season. This week’s Tillage Edge podcast is joined by Dr Stephen Kildea, a researcher in Teagasc and Klara Finkele, Head of Agricultural Meteorology at Met Éireann, to discuss how the potato blight forecasting has developed over the past number of years and how it can help farmers in 2022. Stephen said the extensive research and testing of the new model will give growers confidence to adjust their fungicide inputs from week to week basis while Klara points to the huge data processing capacity available and the ability to deliver the new blight predictions at a local level for a 5 day period ahead of the blight development. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Controlling foliar disease in crops

Teagasc — Thu, 26 May 2022 06:00:00 +0100

‘A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay’ is a saying that all growers are aware of and hope will come true this year. However, wet conditions in May bring their own problems with increased foliar diseases and Dr. Steven Kildea joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the progress of disease control in crops so far this year Steven said that despite commercial crops looking relatively clean, many of the untreated crops in Oak Park have moderate to high levels of disease. There are stark differences between varieties with Graham and Costello worth comparing this year. Steven refers to timings of fungicide applications also being critical and a poorly applied final fungicide in Spring barley can potentially cost a grower 0.4t/ha of grain. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Preview of the World Potato Congress in Ireland

Teagasc — Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Ireland will host the World Potato Congress on May 30th to June 2nd in the RDS, Dublin and this week’s Tillage Edge podcast previews the event with Liam Glennon of the Irish Potato Federation and Denis Griffin from Teagasc who are the main drivers in organising the congress. A worldwide audience is expected with delegates coming from Australia, America, Africa and across Asia. The congress will have a commercial focus but delegates will also hear about the most up to date research in areas such as seed production, storage, sustainability, consumer trends, rural development and much more. For more details and to book into the conference go to: https://wpc2022ireland.com/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Insights on the Current Global Grain Market

Teagasc — Thu, 12 May 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Phelim Dolan from Comex McKinnon joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to talk about the current grain market and the prospects for the coming months. Phelim talks about the pressures on grain supply before the war in Ukraine started and the current effect of the war on prices now. Looking forward, Phelim pointed to the crisis in some sectors due to very expensive grain and a strong possibility of a global recession, which is predicted for the latter half of 2022 into 2023 which will have a negative impact on grain prices. Consequently, Phelim wouldn’t discourage farmers to forward sell grain, given the historically high prices, to lock in some profits. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Update from Jim McCarthy in Romania on spring crop conditions and Ukrainian harvests

Teagasc — Thu, 05 May 2022 16:54:43 +0100

Irish farmer in Romania, Jim McCarthy, re-joins Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the continued effects of the Ukrainian conflict on the local people in Romania and also on his farm business there. Jim first explained that his efforts in helping refugees has decreased due to the superb organisation and support coming from the Romanian government. Jim has good information on the planting and prospects for Ukrainian harvests, with fuel a major concern for farmers, he says. He also chats about his farm and despite the excellent planting and emerging conditions for spring crops, he fears that there may not be enough water to deliver high yielding crops. Jim said a good maize crop requires about 600mm of water but given the low rainfall in April and the average rainfall expected, this would only amount to 350mm of rain. Consequently lower yields are expected. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Polish farming update with Tim Bergin

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:13:02 +0100

The latest Tillage Edge podcast catches up again with Tim Bergin who is a Dubliner farming in north Poland. Tim talks about how the conflict in Ukraine has affected his business and the locality. Despite being over 1,000 km from the Ukraine border, there are substantial numbers of Ukrainians in the locality and Tim commented that the Polish government is doing an excellent job catering for these displaced people. Tim said the dry and cold weather to date has reduced growth and crops are approximately three weeks behind where they would normally be at this time of the year. Planting is not completed and Tim had decided not to grow potatoes in 2022 up to last week but an improved offer by the potato industry in the past few days has changed his mind. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Crop Update and action to be completed in crops now

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:39:21 +0100

Crops are racing through their growth stages and many crops require critical inputs to ensure they reach their yield potential. Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan, who are both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the crop management actions needed on farms in the coming weeks. Ciarán commented that winter barley is at the ideal growth stage to apply a growth regulation and growers should assess their crops as soon as they can. Shay talked about the importance of holding the first fungicide in winter wheat until the third last leaf has emerged as this sets up the fungicide programme for the rest of the year. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Precision farming with fertiliser spreaders

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:05:00 +0100

Precision placement of fertilisers is critical to ensure farmers get the maximum returns and on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, Craig England, a Precision Ag and Machine Control Specialist working with Topcon, chats about the extra accuracy a GPS enabled fertiliser spreader can bring to spreading fertilisers. Craig explained how the GPS spreaders can accurately turn on and off the spreader at the headlands but many spreaders, using section control, can modify the fertiliser applied to even out the spread on short ground or awkward corners. The GPS machines can employ different technology from weigh cells to sensing the torque on the discs but Craig says if these machines are properly maintained they have proven to be very reliable. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Managing Malting Barley

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Eoin Lyons, the Teagasc Boortmalt joint program advisor, joined this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the management of malting barley over the coming weeks. Spring malting barley is one of the biggest cereal crops in Ireland and getting the correct management of the crop in the early stages of growth is critical to achieving the required specs. Eoin recommends applying a lower rate of nitrogen to barley destined for the distilling market compared to crops for the brewing market. The application timing of the final nitrogen is before early tillering. Eoin said that despite the cost of nitrogen, he is not recommending growers reduce the rates as the existing recommended rates are needed to maintain yield and also protein contents. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Details of the new Tillage Incentive scheme

Teagasc — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Teagasc tillage specialists, Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s podcast to discuss the new Tillage Incentive Scheme and what’s in it for tillage farmers. The specialists also discussed areas to watch out for when ploughing grassland for tillage crops this year. Shay pointed out that the scheme isn’t attractive to specialised tillage farmers on their own ground (because it is in tillage already) but there are opportunities for tillage farmers to work with grassland farmers to produce crops. Ciarán pointed to the critical areas to consider before ploughing grassland saying, “Soil pH and P&K levels should be at a reasonable level before ploughing grassland in order to produce high yielding tillage crops.” For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Applying slurries to growing crops - a Cork farmer’s experience

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Tom Barry, a Cork farmer near Mallow, chats to Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast about applying pig slurry to growing winter crops. Tom has been applying slurries to his land for over 20 years and says the benefits are twofold. “I can reduce costs by €150/ac or more and increase yields by three quarters of a ton per acre,” said Tom. Michael McCarthy, Tom’s Teagasc tillage advisor, pointed to the level of nutrients which were measured at 14 units of Nitrogen, 5 units Phosphate, and 15 units of Potassium per 1,000 gallons. Michael said “We measure the dry matter to calculate the usable nutrients and we estimate close to 100% of these nutrients will be utilised by the crops this year.” For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Blackgrass: a UK expert's view to controlling the problem

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Dr Sarah Cook, a weed expert in ADAS in the UK joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss blackgrass and best ways to control the weed by exploiting the weed’s weaknesses. She highlighted some simple cultural control methods like ploughing, later sowing and competitive crops that will help with control. Sarah said blackgrass can develop herbicide resistance quickly as it cross-pollinates and pointed to the fact the weed developed resistance to Atlantis (or Pacifica) within three years of its introduction in the UK. She emphasised how important it is for farmers not to ignore the problem and deal with it when there are only a few plants in a field by hand rougeing as this will save your farm a lot of money in the long term. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Jim McCarthy on the impact of the Ukraine war on his farm business in Romania and helping refugees across the border

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:22:28 +0000

Jim McCarthy, who is farming in Romania, sixty kilometres from the Ukraine border, chats to the Tillage Edge this week about the impacts of the Ukraine war on his family and business. Jim discusses the immediate efforts of his staff who are helping Ukrainian refugees arriving at the border to travel to safety outside Ukraine. He chatted about the effects of changes to grain price and input costs and how this is immediately shaping his business. Jim also discusses where he thinks the grain production in Ukraine and Russia is likely to go in 2022. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Winter crop update and the actions for the next few weeks

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Both winter oilseed rape and winter barley have started to grow and many farmers are either getting back into fields or are anxiously waiting for soils to dry out. On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy speaks to Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Teagasc tillage specialists, about the progress of the main winter crops and the most urgent jobs to be completed. Ciaran Collins talked about the need to get some nitrogen on winter barleys in light soils over the next few days and also pointed to the risks of lodging this year. Shay Phelan told the podcast that applying nitrogen to oilseed rape with GAI of one or less is now overdue. Shay also added that time is running out to control light leaf spot in oilseed rape as flower buds are starting to come through the canopy. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

GPS systems: what you need to know

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

More farmers are investing in GPS systems but navigating the different systems can be challenging. This is the first in a series of podcasts on the Tillage Edge exploring the area of precision technology on farms. Craig England, a Precision Ag and Machine Control Specialist working for Topcon Positioning Ireland, joined Michael Hennessy to go through the requirements for a tillage farmer getting started with a GPS system. Craig explained that the accuracy of farmer-based systems could vary from 40cm to 2cm accuracy. There are different hardware specifications and subscriptions, which a farmer can purchase to increase the accuracy. Craig also said that a good system to control GPS enabled sprayers or fertiliser spreaders will cost in the region of €4,000. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Wexford farmer who plans to use less nitrogen in 2022

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week’s Tillage Edge podcast continues the series looking at farmers who are working closely with Teagasc in the Signpost Farms programme and other initiatives. Don Somers, a farmer in Wexford, and his advisor John Pettit, joined Michael Hennessy to discuss Don’s farm practice. Don has costed out various fertiliser practices and has identified that changing to protected urea on winter crops will return savings of close to €39/ha or close to €3,000 over the farm. He is running a min-till establishment system for the past few years and has worked hard to build fertility over the last 8-9 years. Don has a very good handle on his soil's fertility and yields coming from the fields as he will use yield mapping data to feed into fertiliser prescription maps. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Malting barley in 2022 – your questions answered by experts

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:56:31 +0000

This week’s Tillage Edge podcast revisits the questions and answers from the Malting Barley Webinar which was held on February 10th. A panel of experts from Teagasc, Boortmalt and Teagasc, as well as farmers, answered questions that were asked by attendee farmers during the webinar. The session covers nitrogen applications for this season, how cover crops can be incorporated into malting barley production and also sustainability issues of producing malting barley. Dr Gary Lanigan from Teagasc told the webinar that it’s very possible for a 100 hectare malting barley producer to be net zero for carbon. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

CAP post 2023 – your questions answered by experts

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 17:19:15 +0000

This week, the Tillage Edge podcast catches up with the questions and answers from the Crops Webinar on CAP23 which was held on February 3rd. A panel of experts from the Department of Agriculture and Marine, Teagasc and a farmer answer questions that were asked by farmers during the webinar. The session covers areas such as partnerships, young farmers, eligible crops, entitlement values and much more. The webinar also touches on how tillage farmers are more affected by the CAP changes than other farmers and how this may affect their viability in the future. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Completing a nutrient management plan

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week the Tillage Edge chats to Eoin Lyons, the Teagasc Boortmalt Joint Programme Advisor, who explains why it is critical that tillage farmers get a nutrient management plan completed for 2022. Eoin goes through the process of creating a nutrient management plan and the time involved and he says where a farm is already mapped in the NMP online system, then a nutrient management plan could be created for a typical tillage farm in about 30-40 minutes. Eoin outlines the outputs from the NMP which include a shopping list of fertilisers, lime and P&K maps, etc. which the farmer can view on paper or on their phone. Example of the type of reports available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGyGJaMDil4 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Q&A from the National Tillage Conference Part 1

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week, the Tillage Edge podcast links in with the National Tillage Conference webinar which covered a number of areas to help farmers utilise fertiliser more efficiently and also addressed where farmers can reduce fertiliser inputs. The podcast covers the excellent question and answer sections which cover the main topics from the webinar. Dr. David Wall, Dr. Richie Hackett and Dermot Forristal, all researchers in Teagasc, answered questions on a range of crop nutrition topics including lime, P and K inputs, organic manures, nitrogen and specific issues around oilseed rape and fertiliser applications. You can watch the webinar in full at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYH-sP3lnWM&t=549s To register for the National Tillage Conference Part 2 webinar and for other webinars as part of Tillage Month, go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

John Mahon’s view of Conservation Ag and grass weeds in Ireland

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week’s Tillage Edge podcast chats to John Mahon who has been working in various roles in Irish agriculture over the past thirty years and John gives his perspective of conservation agriculture and grass weed control as it stands in the industry today. He points out that there are a number of areas to be concerned about - especially the protection of existing herbicides and dealing with herbicide resistant grass weeds. John recently joined the Teagasc Enable Conservation Tillage project as an advisor and he is in the process of getting up to speed in all aspects of the project. He outlines some of the areas where he will concentrate his efforts over the next few months and is encouraging farmers/agronomists to get in touch with him to arrange training sessions around non plough based establishment systems and grass weed identification/control. You can contact John on john.mahon@teagasc.ie For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Tipp farmer looking after his soils

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In the first Tillage Edge podcast for 2022, Michael Hennessy talks to Will Stokes, a tillage farmer in Tipperary, who is participating in the Signpost Farm programme. Will and his Teagasc advisor, Conor Kavanagh, discuss how Will is making changes on his farm, particularly around caring for the soils. Will is focused on building soil reserves of P & K and as part of that imports organic manures each year. He recently undertook GPS soil sampling to more accurately target nutrient gaps and, he says, finds the information particularly useful to making better decisions for the farm. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What to expect in 2022

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

In the final podcast for 2021, The Tillage Edge looks forward to 2022 with Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc. They discuss the major challenges facing farmers such as high fertiliser prices and the new CAP. There is a lot to play for in tillage in 2022 and due to the higher costs, especially with fertilisers, many are commenting that growing cereals this year is a much bigger gamble than normal. Both Ciaran and Shay give some pointers as to how farmers can cope with these changes. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Andy Mahon on his UK 2021 Harvest & Prospects for 2022

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Andy Mahon, an Irish man and farm manager of a large farm in the UK, returns to the Tillage Edge this week to discuss with Michael Hennessy how his season went from June to December this year. Andy reported exceptional yields (11t/ha) from his winter wheats in 2021 (on a direct drill system) but was disappointed with the spring wheat. Andy described the harvest as ‘the wettest dry weather’ they had for some time and by that. he meant the dull weather over harvest slowed drying and most grains were harvested at 17-18 MC, or very similar to an Irish harvest. Andy commented that the autumn drilling went extremely, well given all the good weather. However, knowing what he knows now, he would have preferred to delay planting for at least a couple of weeks to help control blackgrass on the farm. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Farmer Tom Tierney explains his direct drill system

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Tom Tierney, a farmer in North Kildare, who converted to a direct drill system six years ago, and Ivan Whitten, his Teagasc advisor, join Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss Tom’s farming system and how sustainability is at the core of all his decisions. Teagasc have set up a network of farms, under the Signpost Farm banner, to help demonstrate sustainable practices and Tom Tierney is participating as one of these farms. Other farmers will get a chance in the coming year to visit Tom’s farm and explore his system as to where he is making gains around the environment and sustainability. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Review of the year for tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

2021 will be remembered by most people as an excellent year for tillage farmers. However the year wasn’t without its ups and downs in terms of weather and other events and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy looks back on 2021 with Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, tillage specialists in Teagasc, to hear how it treated tillage farmers. Ciaran first highlighted the issues around the cold conditions during the spring and how farmers managed with these conditions, but both Shay and Ciaran said that 2021 will be remembered as being an almost perfect year for getting work completed and also for increased income. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Jim McCarthy on his 20,000 ha farm business in Romania

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Jim McCarthy, a farmer from Kildare, joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to talk about his farming business in Romania. The company that Jim manages is farming close to 20,000 hectares, employs over 150 staff and ships all of the grain grown through the Black Sea port in Constanta. Jim gives a fascinating insight into the farming business which grows a wide range of crops including soya, wheat, sun flowers, sugar beet, oilseed rape and more. He told the podcast how the changes put in place over the past few years have increased yields on the farm but he is still at the mercy of the weather. The dry conditions have hampered wheat germination and this is a problem across Ukraine and Russia also. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Getting your sprayer winter ready

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Dermot Forristal, Oak Park, Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss getting machines ready for the winter. Dermot focuses on protecting sprayers from frost and says that any heavy frost can cause damage but the most damaging time tends to be a sustained period of frosty weather over a week or so. Dermot recommends larger sprayers would need 10-15L of concentrated antifreeze mixed at a 30% dilution rate should be sufficient for temperatures in Ireland. This quantity of liquid should be sufficient to circulate through all elements of the sprayer including the spray lines. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Wexford farmer embracing the sustainability challenge

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:46:43 +0000

John Crowley, a tillage farmer in Wexford, has been working closely with Teagasc to improve his profitability in the past few years as part of the Teagasc/Boortmalt Joint Programme and he joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast. John is also interested in reducing his GHG emission on the farm in areas such as cover crops and straw incorporation, as well as hedgerow/forestry management and is looking forward to measuring these changes as part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme. Eoin Lyons, his joint programme advisor, has been working with John to improve yield and the quantities of malting barley delivered in spec to Boortmalt. John and Eoin have been targeting seedbed consolidation to improve plant establishment. Various trials have shown getting this correct has resulted in an increase of 50 plants per metre squared. This adds to the yield and ultimately profitability of the system. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Controlling rising fertiliser prices

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:00:44 +0000

Fertiliser prices continue to rise putting pressure on crop margins for 2022. Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, join Michael Hennessy on this week's Tillage Edge podcast with practical ways to reduce your farm's dependence on chemical fertilisers and also how to make the most of every kilogram purchased. Shay explains how a grower applying good quality cattle slurry (3,000 gal/ac) to 50 acres can save €6,000 on chemical fertiliser (not including the costs of slurry spreading). Similarly Ciaran outlined a change in farm rotation, by maximising beans, could save 7 tonnes of CAN in 2022. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Oilseed rape disease control

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Oilseed rape crops have powered ahead this year and most crops are in great shape for the winter. Plantings of oilseed rape are up by 30% and forward prices are up by nearly 50%. But, disease control is important in all crops to ensure full yields are realised and Dr. Stephen Kildea, from Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss disease and growth regulation control in rape. Stephen said both Phoma and Light Leaf Spot were a problem and need to be controlled in most crops. Walking crops and assessing disease levels is important and in addition to assess if a growth regulator is necessary. Stephen stressed the need to control disease but also to have a large green canopy next spring to minimise nitrogen inputs. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The growing threat of BYDV in 2021

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Aphids are BYDV vectors and controlling aphid spread in cereals is important and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Louise McNamara, from Oak Park, joined Michael Hennessy to discuss aphids and the threat of BYDV for Autumn 2021. The first step towards controlling aphid spread is to delay the date of planting which reduces the length of time the crop is exposed to high aphid numbers. Louise explained that aphids flying into crops will result in a primary infection, however the progeny of these aphids can often be more damaging to crops but this is dependent on plenty of mild weather through the winter. Louise added that research tells us that earlier sown crops will need to receive an aphicide at the two to three leaf stage and again in early November. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How to use TAMS to cut the cost of machinery

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

The Tillage TAMS scheme is designed to help tillage farmers modernise whilst addressing challenges like reducing pesticides and increasing farm safety and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy was joined by Oliver Molloy from the Department of Agriculture, to chat through the ins and outs of a farmer applying for a grant. Firstly, Oliver explained that there are over 2,000 applicants paid out so far with a total of €19 million distributed to tillage farmers. He said that farmers applying need to ensure the application is in the correct name (as per the BPS application) and the payment for the piece of equipment is from that farmer’s bank account. The next tranche of the Tillage TAMS closes on November 5th this year and for more details go to: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/fb5ed7-tillage-capital-investment-scheme/#tillage-capital-investment-scheme-conditions For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

What’s behind the cost of certified seed?

Teagasc — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0100

The majority of seed sown on tillage farms every year is Department of Agriculture certified seed and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, it’s part two of the seed story that tracks the seeds journey from the seed growers field through the seed assembler to the final customer. Gerry Lohan, from the Seed Inspection Division of the Department of Agriculture, outlines the checks made by inspectors and laboratory tests carried out to ensure the quality is maintained. Gerry describes the zero tolerance for wild oats, bromes and blackgrass that are an integral part of the process. Tim O’Donovan, Seedtech, describes the checks and balances carried out on seed as it goes through the seed assembly plant and also the decision matrix to decide on the most appropriate seed dressing for seed before it reaches the final customer. For more on combinable seed production visit the Department of Agriculture website here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/99d2c1-guide-to-seed-certification-combinable-crops/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Journey of Certified Seed (Part 1)

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 09:44:47 +0100

The majority of seed sown on tillage farms every year is Department of Agriculture certified seed and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, it is the first in a two-part series that tracks the seed’s journey from breeder through an Irish seed assembler, taking in the seed grower along the way. Donal Fitzgerald, Goldcrop joins Michael Hennessy to chat about the process of assembling seed and outlines the important checks in place to ensure quality, while Liam Day, a Cork seed producer, also joined the podcast and talked about his experiences as a seed producer for many years. Part 2 next week, tracks the seed from leaving the seed grower’s field, through drying, storage and packaging, all the way to the final user of the seed. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Pre-emerge weed control in winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Weed control is one of the first jobs that needs to be completed after a crop has been planted with a number of options available and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, tillage specialists Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins join Michael Hennessy to discuss this topic in more detail. Weed control options can be divided into pre or post emergence of the crop and Shay explains that pre emergence has many advantages over post emergence including better control of some broad leaves and grass weeds especially annual meadow grass, sterile brome, etc. Meanwhile, Ciaran Collins says the options for winter barley are narrow to control annual meadow grass but growers should be careful when applying a pre-emerge especially if the crop is close to emergence. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Day 2 of the National Crops Forum on carbon farming and nitrate leaching

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Day 2 of the National Crops Forum delved into carbon farming and nitrate leaching on tillage farms and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, you’ll hear from the excellent questions and answers sessions from the forum. Dr Gary Lanigan from Teagasc told the forum that even though the corporate world is very interested in sustainability and carbon capture it remains to be seen who will pay farmers for any carbon capture in the future. Eddie Burgess, Teagasc, maintained that even though tillage farming is relatively efficient in nutrient use, the very nature of our tillage soils makes them liable to releasing nitrates into rivers if the ground is left fallow. A good green cover or cover crop is the best way to trap nitrates in the field so that it can be available to the farmer for later use. The full webinar can be found on the Teagasc Crops YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7ULZJhwV08 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Day 1 of the National Crops Forum on varieties, septoria and grain markets

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0100

Day 1 of the National Crops Forum highlighted important information on varieties, septoria and grain markets which is worth listening to if you missed it the first time around. The new varieties of winter barley, wheat and oats were discussed, as well as the influence of sowing dates on septoria control for the season with John Joe Byrne from the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc’s Stephen Kildea. Phelim Dolan, from Comex McKinnon, shared his thoughts on the prospects for grain for the coming months. He strongly suggests all growers look closely at markets and take a profit when it’s there as it may not be around for long. On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast you’ll hear the questions and answers between Michael Hennessy and the speakers. The full webinar can be found on the Teagasc Crops YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1LyJxDjO0dFywu6Y3OXnw For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The importance of correctly managing hedgerows on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Hedgerows are a very important resource within our landscape but over-management is an issue on tillage farms according to Dr Catherine Keena, a Countryside Management Specialist in Teagasc who joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast. Catherine encourages farmers to leave some of the hedgerows unmanaged each year to let plants flower which is good for pollinators, and the resulting fruit, which provides vital food for wildlife through the year. She also highlights the number of bee species which use hedgerows throughout the year and explained how there are over fifty-five species of birds which nest in hedgerows each year. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Managing headlands and yield reductions of up to 30% on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Headlands occupy a significant proportion of fields, particularly in an Irish context – for example, a 24 metre headland makes up 50% of the total area on a 4 hectare field. Meanwhile, the increasing size and weight of machinery is a threat to soil structure and its ability to produce crops efficiently is a concern. On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Mark Ward joined Michael Hennessy to discuss his work in this area. Mark reported variable yields on headlands with yield reductions of up to 30% recorded at the field edge. The importance of correctly setting fertiliser spreaders for accurate headland applications was stressed. Fertiliser spreading on headlands tends to be uneven and Mark recorded application rates varying from 80-120% of the target rate. Soil structural quality differed across headlands with the poorest structure documented in the zone where all machine turns are concentrated. Mark advises all growers to grab a spade and investigate the soil structural condition on their headlands. This will focus growers on maintaining output on headlands by protecting the soils. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The impact of the rising cost of fertilisers on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge Podcast Shay Phelan talks to soil specialist Mark Plunkett about the impact of the rising cost of fertilisers on tillage farms. This increase in prices has led to a renewed interest in the use of organic manures on tillage farms. Mark discusses the value and costs of the different manures available, the practicalities of using them and the crops most likely to benefit the most from using organic manures. Mark also discusses their impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as overall fertiliser costs to the farmers. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Harvest Update from Around the Country

Teagasc — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 06:52:07 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge Podcast Shay Phelan talks to three advisors around the country for latest on the harvest. Broken weather over the last few weeks has slowed down the progress of the harvest so Shay spoke to Conor Kavanagh in Tipperary, Ciaran Hickey in Enniscorthy and John Brophy in Louth to get a view from their areas. While the harvest has been a stop-start affair so far, some of the highlights according to the three advisers has been above-average yields, good quality grain, low proteins in malting barley and a good demand for straw. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Planting Cover Crops

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Cover crops can be useful for many different functions in a field but some farmers see them as an inconvenience both to plant and to manage before the next crop. Richie Hackett, a researcher in Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, has been working with cover crops for over 10 years and joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to go through some of his findings - especially the advantages of planting cover crops early. Richie explained how cover crops are useful for mopping up nitrogen, growing organic matter, reducing soil erosion, helping soil structure and soil health and can supply nitrogen to the next crop. Richie advocated planting early as trials show a 2t DM/ha reduction in crops grown for every three week delay in planting from late July. He was surprised by the scale of the differences but said that all crops were ploughed back in before the next crop without difficulty or the use of glyphosate. Richie has produced a video outlining the advantages of planting cover crops early: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P7nShiQLrc For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Planting oilseed rape

Teagasc — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Many growers are switching between harvesting and planting this month to get their winter oilseed rape planted and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy to give an insight into the advantages of getting the crop planted in August rather than September. Ciaran points to the increased growth, giving the plant more resilience against pests early in the season, bird attacks later in the season and how the crop will take up more nitrogen allowing for saving in the spring, as all beneficial factors. Growers should select varieties carefully, he advises, as resistance to light leaf spot is very important in the Irish climate. The DAFM recommended list is a good place to start looking for information. There are other sources of information especially from the UK however, growers should look at these sources carefully as they don’t fully translate to growing conditions in Ireland. Ciaran also points out the advantages and disadvantages of the different weed control options available to farmers. Pre-emerge has advantages in controlling chickweed and speedwell whereas post-emergence applications are necessary for grass weed control and for some broad leaf weeds like fumitory. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Successful straw incorporation

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Close to 2,000 farmers signed up to incorporate some or all of their straw this year and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dermot Forristal joins Michael Hennessy to chat through the main factors to take into consideration when incorporating straw. Dermot explains that depth of incorporation can be quite flexible from 5cm up to 10 cm with good soil to straw contact heeling with a more rapid breakdown. Soils in a non-inversion system may be able to cope with straw raking, which stirs the straw on the surface with some clay and is reliant on soil worms to help the mixing process. The breakdown process can result in a demand for nitrogen as straw has a high Carbon to Nitrogen ratio. However trials suggest the application of extra nitrogen is not needed to help the breakdown process as there is sufficient freely available soil nitrogen. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Machinery hygiene at harvest

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:37:25 +0100

The potential of combines or indeed other machinery to spread weeds is now a serious concern for most farmers as grass weeds such as blackgrass, canary grass and wild oats can be easily spread and this is more worrying when these weeds may be herbicide resistant. Dermot Forristal and Brendan Bourke joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss machinery hygiene at harvest. Dermot explained that a large combine can cover over 900 hectares over the season which could be as much as 70 average size fields. Each of these fields will have different weed burdens and the potential for spread of seeds from field to field is enormous. Brendan Bourke outlined the main areas where weeds can build up on the combine and the best tools to use to dislodge these weeds. Brendan strongly recommends a cleaning routine on a daily basis, for fire safety reasons, but also to prevent weeds spreading by the combine. The advice to farmers who are using contractors over the harvest is to discuss the need for weed-free machinery before the contractor comes to the field. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Tim Bergin’s Season Update from Poland

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0100

On this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan catches up with Tim Bergin who is a Dublin farmer now farming near Slupsk in North West Poland. Tim spoke to the Tillage Edge earlier in the year but Shay got an update on the season so far on his farm and the prospects for the harvest not only in Poland but all across Europe. Tim also spoke about the impact of drought on his potato crop and the impact on yields and supply. Like in Ireland, Covid 19 and Brexit are having an effect in Poland and Tim describes the issues that have affected his business but also the potential opportunities that may arise as a consequence. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Prospects for the Upcoming Harvest

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:26:20 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan catches up with Teagasc advisors Michael McCarthy in Cork, Conor O’Callaghan in Dublin and Martin McCullough in Donegal to see how crops are looking in their respective areas and the prospects for the upcoming harvest. There were differences in the seasons in the areas with weather having significant effects on crop growth, disease pressure and subsequently crop potential. The lads also discussed the impact of the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and the impact it had on the straw market and the prospects for grain. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Blackgrass and no-till farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Last week, Teagasc broadcast the second in the series of ECT grass weed webinars. This episode focused on blackgrass control and caught up with two ECT focus farmers about their experiences operating a non-plough based system: Gareth Culligan, from Louth, who is practicing a no till system and Michael Grace, from north Kildare, who shared his experiences using a strip till system. Both of these farmers participated in an excellent question and answer session which is worth listening to again on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge. Shay Phelan, a Tillage Specialist from Oak Park Carlow, chaired the sessions. Michael Grace reported that the cultural measures like grass margins were working extremely well on the farm and he intended to extend the use of these this year. Gareth Culligan, the ECT farmer in Louth, said the key to his system is to have patience (especially at planting), devise a good rotation and use cover crops where possible. The full video of the webinar can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKoS6sEFqUI For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Blight control in potatoes

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Factors such the loss of key fungicides and new emerging blight variants are all challenging established blight control practices and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy was joined by Shay Phelan, a potato Specialist in Oak Park, to discuss blight control in potatoes. The loss of Mancozeb as a key blight control product puts pressure on the existing products and Shay recommends growers should sit down early in the season to sequence the use of these products to ensure maximum label use is not exceeded throughout the season. Shay then explained that the new blight variant (37A2) now means Fluazinam (or Shirlan) cannot be relied upon to give the same level of blight protection and should only be used in mixtures with other fungicides. He also added that the blight forecasting model used by Met Eireann is now improved following research carried out by Teagasc in Oak Park, Carlow. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Andy Mahon, the Dublin farm manager in the UK – an update on his year so far

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Andy Mahon, the Dubliner who is a farm manager in the east of the England, re-joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with an update on his year so far. The farm has a range of winter and spring crops and Andy has managed the farm to a no-till system over the past few years. Generally planting with a no-till system starts later than conventional systems. Andy started planting a little later than normal in early April. The ground dried out quickly and crops went in good conditions however the wetter weather after planting prompted Andy to reflect and perhaps using a tined machine would have been a little better as it would have allowed more drainage compared the disc (Horizon) drill which was used. Crops on Andy’s farm are looking well with good yield potential. This reflects an overall trend in the east of England and Andy thinks there is excellent potential in the winter crops in particular. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Grass weeds in non-plough systems

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s Tillage Edge discusses how grassweed control has become more important on all tillage farms and especially on non-plough based systems. Controlling wild oats has become even more challenging with the emergence of herbicide resistance in a small number of populations in counties across the southeast. Increasing populations of sterile brome and canary grass has added to the control challenges on farm. The Teagasc ECT project has been working with farmers through the country who have different establishment systems and the recent ECT webinar caught up with a number of these farmers who have converted to non-plough based systems and the questions and answers session is worth listening to again. Watch the full video of the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJXMr9OvF-I For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The opportunities and increased demand for gluten-free oats

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

The media is always trying to find - or at least tell us about - the next super food. Oats have a number of advantages over other cereals as they are nutritious, help people to live longer due to beta glucans, and are gluten free. On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Mariea O’Toole, Grain quality operations manager at Glanbia to find out how they have developed new markets for oats over the past 12 years and are going from strength to strength. Mariea explained to Michael that the business has developed many new products and markets especially in the past 3-4 years The most recent product is hydrolysed and non hydrolysed flour which can be used in plant based yoghurts, drinks and bakery products. Mariea said the fact that oats are gluten free is a big selling point and both the company supply chain and farmers growing the oats are monitored very carefully. Field inspections, tightly controlled harvesting, in-house sampling, etc. all give consumers confidence in the Glanbia closed loop system. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Disease control in Winter Wheat

Teagasc — Thu, 27 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Disease control in wheat is an important aspect to achieving high yields and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy chatted to Dr Stephen Kildea, a researcher in Oak Park and Ivan Whitten, a Teagasc advisor in Kildare, to discuss how to achieve robust disease control in winter wheat. Ivan pointed out that the cold dry weather in March and April delayed growth and disease development and as a result, farmers applied the first main fungicide later than usual with these farmers now well placed to apply the flag leaf fungicide to the flag leaf fully expanded in the coming week. Dr Stephen Kildea pointed out that the recent wet weather has spread septoria up the canopy and there is a high likelihood there is latent or unseen septoria in the upper canopy. This increased threat means there is a need for curative action and the newer chemistries (Revysol and Inotreq) are best placed to deliver the best septoria control this year. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Disease control in Spring barley

Teagasc — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

All growers are aware that disease control is needed in spring barley, however, selecting the correct products and the correct timing will determine if the farmer gets value for money and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Deirdre Doyle, a researcher in Teagasc, told Michael Hennessy that disease levels are low at the moment but this can change especially as the weather is very showery at the moment. Deirdre highlighted the potential net blotch issues with Planet and discussed how to cope with fungicide resistance in crops. Meanwhile, also on the podcast, Eoin Lyons, the Teagasc/Boortmalt program advisor, discussed the jobs which are piling up for farmers at the moment in spring crops and the best ways to sequence these jobs. Finally getting the best from fungicides means getting the timing correct, mistime it and you risk losing 0.5t/ha. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

A Cork farmer’s solution to reducing spray drift

Teagasc — Thu, 13 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

The average farmer can put close to €15,000 worth of plant protection products through the sprayer each year. Given all of these PPP are applied to do a specific job there is a huge incentive for the farmer to make sure the spray hits the target and works effectively On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist in Cork, who outlined the essential components of the STRIPE tool and how to minimise spray drift on farm. Michael McCarthy, Teagasc advisor in Cork stepped through the practicalities of using STRIPE as an advisor and commented that it looks simple but needs some work to put it into practice. John Kelleher, a farmer from Cork, was also on the podcast and talked about his spraying operation and how the newly purchased sprayer is helping to target the spray application to where it was intended. John goes into some detail to compare the new sprayer, which is fitted with low drift nozzles, compared to his old air assisted sprayer. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

How to improve spray efficiency in crops

Teagasc — Thu, 06 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

This week Teagasc held the latest edition in the series of Crop Agronomy Webinars looking at different crops through the season. The question and answer sessions from the webinar are worth listening to again as there is a lot of useful information which will help with your agronomy decisions over the next number of weeks. Dermot Forristal and Francis Quigley, both from Teagasc, talk through the options for reducing drift control and how to select the correct nozzles, water rate and pressure. The experts also chat through how to get the best coverage in different crops. John Pettit, a Teagasc advisor in Wexford, talked through management of winter cereals and he said the dry weather and the resulting lower disease pressure gives some scope to better tailoring fungicide spends this year. Other crops also addressed in the webinar included beet beans and spring barley. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Coping with the cold dry conditions

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

The cold dry weather with late frosts have slowed growth and hampered crop management for farmers and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Veronica Nyhan and Eoin Lyons with an update on the progress of winter crops. Despite a really good start for spring crops, fields are slowly greening up but soils are very dry and soil moisture deficits were touching 40mm at the start of the week. Veronica Nyham, a tillage advisor in Laois explained that a number of spring crops are struggling due to pest damage and perhaps sub optimal conditions at planting. Eoin Lyons, Teagasc/Boortmalt joint program advisor in Wexford, said these poorer crops were mainly confined to the very early planted crops, with a plant stands of 250 plants per meter squared in many crops. Both Veronica and Eoin also discussed the necessity of completing key agronomic tasks in the coming week despite the cool conditions. The main tasks discussed are plant growth regulators to barley and oats and the main fungicide to winter wheat. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to register for the Teagasc monthly crop agronomy webinars with the next one on May 4th. For more information go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropagronomywebinar4.php Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Winter wheat disease control

Teagasc — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Dr. Stephen Kildea, specialists in Teagasc, Oakpark join Michael Hennessy to discuss this topic in more detail. Firstly, Shay outlines why the leaf three is important and how to dissect a plant to identify the flag leaf and also the leaf three. You can watch a video on this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upC54GRDQuM Stephen meanwhile, outlines why leaf three is key to a successful fungicide strategy and he discusses the factors to consider before choosing specific fungicides. Stephen also discusses the effects of the recent dry weather on disease levels and how this will influence control strategies through the season. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to register for the Teagasc monthly crop agronomy webinars with the next one on May 4th. For more information go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropagronomywebinar4.php

A farming view from Poland

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Tim Bergin, a Dubliner, who is farming in Poland close to the Baltic sea joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain his experience of farming there. Tim moved to Poland in 2002 and is now farming close to 1,200 ha of sandy loam soils. The total rainfall in the area is similar to Ireland but it’s drier than he would like in April and May. Tim grows a mix of winter wheat, oilseed rape and potatoes as his main crops on the farm. Farm yields of potatoes and oilseed rape are similar or higher than Ireland and winter wheats are lower yielding, at 8 t/ha, but this is milling quality. Potatoes are mostly grown for processing for making chips for McDonalds (variety Russet Burbank) and Tim would like to start growing more seed as it’s a good area for high quality production. He runs a min-till system with four full time staff and maintains that his machinery outlay is smaller than a similar farm in Ireland, however he still thinks the costs are too high. The Tillage Edge podcast will get an update from Tim later in the year to see how farming is going in his area. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to register for the Teagasc monthly crop agronomy webinars with the next one on May 4th. Go to Teagasc.ie for more information.

April Crop Agronomy Webinar Q&A

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Teagasc held the first in a series of Crop Agronomy Webinars this week looking at different crops through the season. Presented by Ciaran Collins, the Question and Answer sessions from the webinar are worth listening to again as there is a lot of useful information which will help with your agronomy decisions over the next number of weeks. On the Q&A, Dr Stephen Kildea, Teagasc, Oakpark, talked about yellow rust control in winter wheat and the necessity of early control in susceptible varieties. However Stephen also pointed out that this may make septoria control more difficult later in the season. Veronica Nyhan, a tillage advisor in Laois, talked about herbicide resistance and how a farmer can rotate crops and herbicides to reduce the potential of resistance developing on farm. Plus there were other contributions from panellists on a wide range of agronomy issues including trace elements and wild oats control. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Winter barley disease control

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Disease control in winter barley needs to be considered carefully and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Stephen Kildea, Oak Park, Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy with advice and information. He explained that areas such as variety resistance to disease, assessing the current disease threat and also looking forward a couple of weeks to what the weather may bring are the most important elements for devising a disease control program. He stressed the importance of farmers walking their crops to regularly assess the disease levels and progression in crops. Stephen also told Michael about the current disease incidence in crops around the country and gives examples of disease control actions needed for varieties in both the south and north of the country. Finally Stephen addressed whether any changes are needed in disease control in conventional and hybrid varieties. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Is Organic tillage for you?

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

The latest Organic Farm Scheme is open to tillage farmers against the backdrop of an EU target to have 25% of all land in organic production by 2030 and on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge, Elaine Leavy, an Organic Specialist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy to discuss organic tillage in more detail. Firstly, she highlighted the fact there are some very successful organic tillage farmers but that planning is the cornerstone of organics as there are no quick fixes. For any grower who is considering organic production, then talking to existing organic farmers is a good place to start. Elaine also explained that there are ‘in-conversion’ payments of up to €260/ha and other capital (TAMS) grants and off farm processing grants available to organic farmers. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Maximising your nitrogen application on farm

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Getting the best out of every kilogram of nitrogen applied on farm is not only desirable but necessary from a financial and environmental perspective and Dr Richie Hackett from Oak Park, Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain more. He told Michael that the rainfall over winter, in almost all years, is sufficient to wash nitrogen through the soils leaving little reserves in early spring. As soils warm up (and if there is sufficient water) soils nitrogen will be released and become available to plants. The amount will vary from year to year even in the same soil. Richie explained that there are two main areas to get right to ensure the nitrogen used is efficient. Firstly, only apply nitrogen to the crop when it needs it or apply at the correct timing, and secondly, match the amount applied as closely as possible to the crop demands. This can be difficult to do but knowing your soils and good records from previous years can help in getting the rates correct. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Increasing fertiliser precision

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:57:17 +0000

Testing soil fertility (pH, phosphate, potassium, etc.) is one of the most important jobs a farmer can do on the farm as without healthy, well-balanced soils, there is little or no foundation for high yields. On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Conor O’Callaghan, from Teagasc, Dublin and Martin Ennis, a farmer from north county Dublin, join Michael Hennessy to discuss this topic. Conor completes nutrient management plans for farmers and strives to balance the nutrients on larger farms with no more than two compound types, a high P and low P compound, so that it is practical for farmers to apply fertiliser without too many runs through the fields. Martin Ennis started using precision soil sampling (a sample from every hectare) on his farm and has found the resulting savings in lime spreading (using a variable lime spreader) in the first year more than paid for the extra costs. Martin is now using a variable rate fertiliser spreader and only applying P and K where needed. He uses a compound to apply the base rates of fertiliser and then precision places the final quantities of P and K, where needed, according to application maps (from the detailed soil analysis). For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Latest Crop Agronomy Webinar – Farmer Q&As

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:55:23 +0000

This week Teagasc hosted the first in a new series of Crop Agronomy webinars. As with other webinars the questions asked by farmers and answered by an expert panel during the webinar are worth listening to again. This episode of the Tillage Edge covers the Q&A sessions covering winter barley, winter oats and preparing for planting spring beans and spring barley for the coming season. Shay Phelan a Specialist in Teagasc chaired an expert panel of Mark Plunkett, Ciaran Collins and Stephen Kildea, all from Teagasc, for the first round of questions. Clarity was given as to the criteria which farmers should look for before applying early nitrogen to crops and also the level and timings of plant growth regulators on winter oats. Winter barley disease control is covered in some depth by Stephen Kildea. Stephen stressed growers should aim to avoid stressing barleys at early growth through the applications of herbicides/PGR, etc. as this stress may induce more Ramularia in crops in June. You can also view the entire crop agronomy webinar on the Teagasc Crops YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XXeBcprgYI For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Malting Barley Conference 2021 – the Q&A panel session

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Teagasc hosted a Malting barley webinar on Tuesday 23rd of February which covered many areas such as liquid nitrogen, cover crops, ramularia and the activities as part of the Teagasc Boortmalt joint programme. The questions and answers section was particularly interesting as there were some really interesting angles covered and its worth listening to these again on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast. The expert panel included Deirdre Doyle, Eoin Lyons, Stephen Kildea, Ciaran Hickey and Richie Hackett, all from Teagasc as well as Tom Bryan from Boortmalt. The questions revolved around the topics on the webinar but also included questions about malting barley contracts, components of yield in barley, general barley disease control and more. If you would like to see a video of the entire webinar go to the Teagasc Crops YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6vM546rTu8 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Plus, don’t forget to register for the next in the monthly series of Teagasc agronomy webinars taking place from 1130-1230pm next Tues 2nd March. You can register for the event at: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/wintercropagronomywebinar.php

Winter Crop agronomy – a Q&A session with Teagasc experts

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 09:40:20 +0000

Teagasc hosted a Winter Crops Agronomy update webinar on Tuesday 9th February which covered the management needs of winter barley, winter wheat and oilseed rape for the coming few weeks. This week’s Tillage Edge podcast features the questions and answer session from that webinar between attendees and Teagasc experts. The first section covered winter barley agronomy and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist in Teagasc posed the questions to the panel of Shay Phelan, Michael McCarthy, Richie Hackett and Jimmy Staples with questions around management of conventional and hybrid barleys and nutrition in all crops. The next part moved on to how managing winter oilseed rape for the coming weeks will centre on assessing the Green Area index in crops and adjusting nitrogen rates to achieve optimum canopies at flowering. Finally grass weed and control of sterile brome was debated by the expert panel. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Plus, don’t forget to register for the next Teagasc crops webinar on malting barley which is being held on Tuesday 23rd February from 1130-1230pm. You can register for the event at: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/crops/title-95646-en.php

The Dublin man farming 750ha in the UK

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Andy Mahon, from Dublin, is a farm manager on the Bromborough Estate Farm in North Bedfordshire, which is roughly halfway between London and Birmingham and firmly in the heart of arable country and he joins Michael Hennessy on this week's Tillage Edge podcast. Andy has worked hard on the costs of production on the farm and is the only full time employee managing close to 750 hectares of land. Andy has full-time help for about 8 months of the year and also some help with seasonal labour at drilling and harvest. The long term farm rainfall for the farm is around 550mm per year (Carlow is 850mm per year) and the average yields (dry) on the farm are as follows; winter wheat 9.5t/ha, spring wheat 6.5t/ha, spring beans 4-4.5 t/ha. In the past 8 years the Bromborough Estate transitioned from plough based establishment system to min-till, then to strip till and are now full converted to a zero or no-till establishment system. The switch has helped enormously in labour efficiency, however Andy said it has taken a huge amount of effort and learning to get to what he regards as a sustainable system now. The integration of cover crops, spring cropping and improved control of grass weeds have been a particular focus of the transition. And don’t forget to join us for Day 2 of the virtual 2021 National Conference on Feb 17th. Register in advance at: https://www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Image credit: FWI.co.uk

Brexit effects for tillage farmers

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

The effects of Brexit on Irish tillage farmers is the topic on this week's Tillage Edge podcast with economists, farmers and machinery suppliers all featuring from the recent Spring Tillage Webinar. Tillage farmers were always likely to be the least affected whether there was a Brexit agreement or not according to Fiona Thorne, an economist in Teagasc. However, areas such as goods stuck in the supply chain and registrations of plant protection products may be affected and this could become apparent in the coming months. Despite the difficulties with imports of seed potatoes, Charlie Doherty, a Donegal potato farmer, believes it could open a door for Irish producers to produce more seed and is an area that Ireland should exploit. Importing tractors will be more difficult but not impossible according to Brian Lacy from Paddy Lacy tractors in Ferns. Brain said there will be some import delays and it may add 2-4 weeks to imports however he is still waiting on some direction from Revenue to judge this properly. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to join us for Day 2 of the virtual 2021 National Conference on Feb 17th. Register in advance at: https://www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth/

Maximising rotations – the Scottish experience

Teagasc — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Scotland has a similar climate to ours and the research carried out there is more comparable to Irish farms than work from continental US or Europe and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Cathy Hawes, from the James Hutton Institute near Dundee in Scotland joins Michael Hennessy to discuss the Scottish experience of maximising rotations. She explains that in the region she works in, they have similar rainfall totals to Carlow but average yields of wheat and barley are a little lower than Irish yields. Cathy is an ecologist working on a large scale trial looking at a broad suite of system outcomes from the trial. These parameters include economic, yield mapping, crop diseases, soil quality, carbon storage, biodiversity, infield weeds, etc. Within the trial, different establishment systems, including the direct drill system, is looked at under a six year rotation (which includes potatoes). This long term trial has produced some interesting results already. Cathy points to the benefits of increasing soil carbon which has increased nutrient efficiency and also results in a better performing soil to suppress harmful soil pathogens. Cathy believes the results of the work can be very useful to farmers, especially where strategies can be combined to give benefits both economically and to the wider environment. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to join us for the virtual 2021 National Conference split over two days on Feb 3rd and Feb 17th. Register in advance at: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/2021tillageconday1.php

The benefits of organic manures for tillage farmers?

Teagasc — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 10:02:49 +0000

Organic manures can supply a badly needed source of carbon to tillage soils according to Mark Plunkett, a Soils and Plant Nutrition Specialist in Teagasc on the latest Tillage Edge podcast. Mark told Michael Hennessy that a typical dressing of 20 tonnes per hectare of farm yard manure will supply 300 kg/ha of carbon to the soil. As slurries contain more water their carbon contribution is much lower. Mark stressed the biological benefits of organic manures to revitalise soils by improving nutrient cycling and feeding the flora and fauna such as fungus, bacteria, nematodes and earthworms. Where all of these components are functioning correctly, crops tend to be more resilient during periods of stress (wet weather or drought) and can give higher yields. Organic manures can replace up to 50% of the chemical fertiliser applied to spring crops and are a direct replacement to the chemical fertiliser in most cases. Mark maintained that most slurries can be transported up to 15 kilometres but recommends discussing this with the slurry producer to source the most efficient transport type. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ And don’t forget to join us for the virtual 2021 National Conference split over two days on Feb 3rd and Feb 17th. Register in advance at: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/2021tillageconday1.php

Is growing rye an option for your farm?

Teagasc — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Growing rye is becoming more of an option for farmers in recent years and on the latest episode of the Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy speaks to Tipperary farmer, Gerard O’Mara, Teagasc tillage specialist, Ciaran Collins, and Teagasc adviser, Conor Kavanagh, to find out more. Gerard O’Mara, has been successfully growing rye for the past number of years and he has increased the acre of rye on his farm at the expense of winter wheat and spring barley area. Gerard is quite happy with the crops performance on his farm but points out that harvesting is slower due to the high volume of straw. Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist in Teagasc, points out that rye can be useful to extend rotations and potentially replace second wheats on the farm. Ciaran maintains that despite the crop being referred to as a low input crop, rye does require a reasonable level of inputs. He added the crop is high yielding therefore it requires a lower input per unit of output (compared to winter wheat). Ensuring there is a clear market for the rye grain is also very important according to Conor Kavanagh, Teagasc advisor in Tipperary (and Gerard’s advisor). Conor added that rye grain is very flexible for feed in ruminants and very suitable for pig feed and there is a small market for distilling. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

A Review of the 2020 Growing Season

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

On the final Tillage Edge podcast for the year, Michael Hennessy reviewed the 2020 growing season with Teagasc specialists Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan. Both Shay and Ciaran pointed to the highs of a great start this spring but the weather played its part in the lows with drought in the east and storms in the south contributing to lower yields. Despite the lower yields a good rotation and/or adding organic matter were factors which resulted in higher yields whether the crop was challenged with drought or not. Ciaran maintain growers who are on top of these two areas get higher yields year after year. Straw yields were also reduced this year and after a very slow start of sales but sales picked up in the autumn. Although a good level of straw is sold, but yet to be delivered, it will take until the spring to clear sheds. In 2020, policy makers have recognised tillage as an important part of Irish agriculture and as a low GHG producer compared to other systems. There is a renewed desire to feed more Irish grain to livestock and grow more indigenous proteins which will help tillage farmers for the future. However, challenges still exist with EU policy makers encouraging farmers to use lower levels of plant protection products and fertilisers. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Plant Breeding & Biotechnology

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

On the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Ewen Mullins from Teagasc, Oak Park joined Michael Hennessy to discuss and explain the developments in plant breeding and biotechnology. Ewen briefly mapped breeding developments over the last 150 years before describing the different types of Genetically Modified (GM) techniques in use today. The most used GM technique is transgenics which uses genes from one plant to transform another (these plants would not breed in the wild). He used the example of Golden Rice which used daffodil genes in rice plants to improve vitamin A levels in rice to help deficient populations in Asia. Ewen described work being done in Teagasc which ranges from developing new GM techniques to growing GM crops but none of this work will result in crops for Irish farmers anytime soon. However Ewen is more hopeful for gene editing or Crispr-Cas9 technologies which could be used in the medium term and when available this technique can quickly improve weaknesses in varieties already in use. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Managing Your Greatest Asset: Your Health

Teagasc — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Dr Noel Richardson, Lecturer and Director of HealthCORE in IT Carlow, joined Michael Hennessy on the latest episode of the Tillage Edge podcast to speak about farmers’ health and research carried out for the ‘On Feirm Ground’ initiative. On the podcast, Noel pointed to the fact that farmers need to take better care of their most precious asset: their health. The research with focus groups highlighted the major areas affecting farmer’s health which included; loneliness, feeling left behind, pressure to expand, inheritance issues and many other. There is a perception that farmers can deal with these issues without help but this attitude appears to be changing slowly. Both male and female farmers and their spouses who were interviewed talked about how farming can be all consuming and feeling guilty about leaving the farm for other non-farming activities. The researchers also talked to farm advisors and how they were well placed to recognise problems arising on farms. The ‘On Feirm Ground’ initiative aims to train advisors in these skills which will help to recognise and broach these topics with farmers. Noel stressed that no matter what problem is on the farm the best method of solving the problem is to talk to someone. This could by a spouse, friend, neighbour or advisor. The key is to start a conservation. A problem shared is a problem halved. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Managing hedges on tillage farms

Teagasc — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Catherine Keena, Environmental Specialist in Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about hedges on tillage farms and how best to manage them. Catherine explained that hedges are excellent for both biodiversity and carbon capture. She pointed out that it’s the linear length that matters most, in that normal hedges around smaller fields are more beneficial than a larger hedge surrounding a very large field. Catherine recommends leaving hedges a little scruffy i.e. not cutting every year, but it is important to modify hedge trimming to allow the hedge to grow to more than 1.5 metres and allow the base of the hedge to grow outwards giving an “A” shaped hedge. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Improving water quality in tillage areas with ASSAP

Teagasc — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Decreased water quality issues are widespread across Ireland regardless of area or farming system in that area and ASSAP, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme, is tasked with working with farmers to help improve water quality. On this episode of the Tillage Edge, Fiona Doolan, ASSAP advisor in Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy to explain the programme and how the supports behind it enable a disentanglement of the source of the problem whether agricultural or non-agricultural. Fiona also explained how nutrient leaching especially nitrates and phosphorus (as soil sediment) is the main problem in tillage areas. Fiona and her colleagues have a variety of very practical solutions which can go a long way to mitigating these challenges coming from tillage areas. To find out more go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/farming-for-water-quality-assap/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

How tillage crops can influence the biodiversity on an agricultural landscape

Teagasc — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Dr. Daire O’Huallachain, an agro-ecologist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss biodiversity on the agricultural landscape. Daire firstly explained that biodiversity in a landscape includes all the plants, insects, animals within it and that the biodiversity within an area will be a reflection of the management of that area, e.g. biodiversity in a rural area will be different compared to an agriculture landscape. Tillage crops add to the overall biodiversity in the agricultural landscape with particular species adapted to thrive on the tillage area and are dependent on it. Tillage is similar to other intensive farms with approximately 5-7% of the area dedicated to biodiversity habitats. However despite the quantity, Daire said the quality of these areas are often poor. Daire suggests a change, spurred on by Farm to Fork policies, to a quantity and quality of habitats and rewarding farmers with results-based payments will encourage farmers to manage habitats better and ultimately give a better outcome. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Advice for weed control at this time of year

Teagasc — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Dr Stephen Kildea, a plant pathologist in Teagasc and Ciaran Collins, a crops specialist in Teagasc joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss weed control at this time of year. Ciaran began by discussing weed control in oilseed rape and he also explained that due to late planting and delayed crop development, weed control was even more important this year as crops will not be as competitive as normal this year. Dr. Stephen Kildea said phoma is generally the first visible disease in oilseed rape. There is some varietal resistance and the resistance along with canopy size can be used as a guide to determine the threshold for disease control with fungicides. Light Leaf Spot, a wet weather disease, emerges as a problem later in the season although not every year. As Light Leaf spot can be difficult to see in the field, growers should take leaf samples regularly and put them into a ‘hot box’ to observe if the disease is present. Control measures can then be determined. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Aphid control and BYDV

Teagasc — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Dr. Michael Gaffney, a Research Entomologist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss aphid control and BYDV. Michael explained that even though there is some infection initially from winged aphids, only a small proportion of the problematic aphids (Grain aphid and Bird Cherry Oat aphid) actually carry the virus. It’s the offspring of these aphids which can spread more virus within the crop. Environmental factors such as temperature, wind and rain can affect how fast aphids reproduce and these factors dictate when control measures are best used. Michael also discussed insecticide resistance and even though there is pyrethroid resistance across the country, pyrethroids will work well in most cases. He stresses the need for constant field walking to observe both aphid numbers and also species type. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Weed control in winter cereals

Teagasc — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Weed control in winter cereals is the topic covered on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast with Martin Bourke and Jimmy Staples joining Michael Hennessy to discuss in more detail. Martin, a Teagasc advisor from Wicklow, discussed the advantages of selecting a pre-emergence or post emergence herbicide options. Martin outlined knowing the field history is extremely important to selecting the best pre-emergence herbicide but also pointed out that a follow up post emergence clean herbicide up treatment is needed. He explained this gives the farmer a chance to use herbicides with alternative modes of action which will help to reduce the chances of herbicide resistance developing in the field. Jimmy Staples, from the Teagasc ECT project, discussed controlling grass weeds in winter cereals. Jimmy agreed that pre-emergence herbicides work well in most situations, however, he pointed out there are more options for wheat than barley. Jimmy also warns farmers about blackgrass control on farm. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Managing Your Farm Finances

Teagasc — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0100

James McDonnell a Financial Specialist in Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how best to manage your farm finances. James starts with the basics describing the differences between main concepts like turnover, profit and cash flow. ”Cash flow is essentially a measure of the cash in your account,” he explains. “In certain circumstances you could have a high turnover, have a taxable profit, but little money in your bank account. So for farmers the best measure to track is cash flow”. James details where farmers should start to get a handle on their cash flow and outlines some of the useful tools like the Tillage 5 minute Cash flow, the Teagasc Cost control planner and e-Profit Monitor which are easy to set up and use. Digging into the profitability on a field by field basis as well as comparing crops or enterprises on the farm will help to develop a better cash flow projection for the coming months. All of these tools are available on www.teagasc.ie For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The cereal harvest around the world and what that means for Irish tillage producers

Teagasc — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0100

James Nolan, a grain trader from R&H Hall, joined Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the cereal harvest around the world and what that means for Irish tillage producers. James talked about the volumes of maize, wheat, and barley production around the world and noted Russia's large harvest at an estimated 83 million tonnes. This is currently the cheapest supply of wheat in the world. Closer to home, the difficult planting conditions last year impacted both Ireland and Europe with the result there is less wheat in the system. This is currently driving the price (along with other factors) however James thinks this will reduce overtime. James commented that there isn't a shortage of milling wheat at the moment although exports of milling wheat from Europe are down by 50%. Up to the middle of this year maize dictated the price of cereals in Ireland however given the current maize harvest (and yield predictions) barley is now the main driver. James said there were opportunities for farmers to sell forward during this year (wheat in the range €195/t) and added there will be opportunities in the next couple of months but growers should keep an eye on the price differential between barley and wheat. National Crops Forum Don't forget the second part of the largest National Crops Forum is taking place this Thursday September 17th @6.30pm, as a webinar over zoom. The forum will look at the Green Deal and Farm to Fork and also look forward to how the industry may be developed over the next number of years. To register for the forum please click here: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/nationalcropsforum2.php For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Importance of Soil Fertility and Soil Sampling

Teagasc — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Dr Veronica Nyham from Teagasc, Portlaoise joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss important aspects of soil fertility and soil sampling. Veronica explains that over 50% of tillage soils have low soil fertility (index 1 and 2). Where farmers are using maintenance fertiliser levels on these fields then crop yield will be penalised. Lime is the most import part of soil fertility and will aid or hinder the uptake of all nutrients. Due to crop yield, rainfall and chemical fertiliser input soils need about 1.5-2.5 tonnes of lime every 5 years. Veronica emphasises the importance of mapping fields before soil sampling to take account of soil variability. Teagasc are available to take the soil sample through our soil sampler service and then create a Nutrient Management Plan when the results are available. Finally, the Crops Forum takes place on Thursday September 10th and 17th between 6.30-7.30pm on both evenings. Topics like varieties, BYDV, Green Deal and recommendations for the development of the tillage sector and more will be discussed. For more information see https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/nationalcropsforum.php For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Harvest Update from the Midlands and South

Teagasc — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0100

On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy finds out about the harvest so far from the midlands and the south of the country. John Kelly, from Teagasc Offaly said there are a lot of difficulties this year with low yields of both grain and straw but there are emerging problems of lodged crops and grain loss. The position is worse in the south with winter wheat shedding heads and grain resulting substantial grain loss. Michael McCarthy Teagasc Cork explained that, similar to the midlands, spring barley is struggling to pass as malting barley with only about 50% is expected to pass now. Another concern emerging, following all the rain, is the deteriorating ground conditions. It is a difficult harvest all round! For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

A harvest update and strategies for dessicating potato crops

Teagasc — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Desiccating potato crops are the topic on this week’s Tillage Edge with Ciaran Collins joined by Shay Phelan, Teagasc Potato Specialist to discuss in more detail. Firstly Shay gives an update on how crops are progressing as we approach harvest and he then highlights that there are significant challenges facing growers this year with high disease pressure, deteriorating ground conditions and limited options making desiccating crops more difficult. For many growers this will be the first year that they will try to desiccate a crop without the use of diquat so Shay discusses the alternative approaches and outlines strategies that growers should consider this season and into the future. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Is winter oilseed rape an option for your farm?

Teagasc — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Ciaran Collins joins Shay Phelan on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss winter oilseed rape as an option for tillage farmers. Ciaran discusses the performance of the crop this harvest, the benefits of having break crops in the rotation and the early crop management including variety choice, drilling and weed control. Finally, Ciaran looks at the profitability of winter oilseed rape compared to cereal crops. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Harvest 2020 Update

Teagasc — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0100

This week’s Tillage Edge podcast with Eoin Lyons discusses harvest 2020 with Teagasc tillage advisors Ciaran Hickey and Conor O Callaghan to see how progress is going to date and how crops are yielding in the south and north-east of the country. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

The Function and Benefits of Cover Crops

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100

The function and benefits of cover crops on your farm is the topic on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast and Michael Hennessy was joined by Richie Hackett, Teagasc Oak Park, to find out more. Richie explained that these crops can catch nutrients such as nitrate (and slow the overland flow of soil thus reducing phosphorus runoff), can protect or enhance the soil, can contribute nutrients to the next year’s crop and can also provide forage for animals. The amount of organic matter added by a cover crop will depend on how much growth the cover crop made but in general, the amount of organic matter added by cover crops will be relatively modest. However, after ten years of cover crops at Oak Park, there was little difference between that and where the ground was kept bare over the winter. Richie told the Tillage Edge that cover crop seed costs can also vary a lot depending on what is being sown. There will also be mixes with many more than two species but there is very little evidence to support the use of mixes with many species. Richie’s advice is to choose a species or simple species mix that will achieve your objectives without causing rotational problems with the lowest cost. Given that the economic benefits of cover crops are usually fairly modest at best, therefore the main objective should be to keep costs as low as possible. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Crops Harvest Update from Cork and Carlow

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100

This week, the Tillage Edge podcast gets a crops harvest update from the counties of Cork and Carlow with Phelim McDonald of Teagasc, Carlow and Elaine Clifford, Teagasc, Cork joining presenter Michael Hennessy with the latest information. Firstly, Phelim gives an update on how the harvest is progressing so far in Carlow, explaining that there is between a third and a half of the area completed so far and yields are variable. Yields of between 2.2-4.0 tons per acre are being reported, with a big variation between fields. Fields with heavier soils, in good rotations and those which received organic manures are yielding the most. Straw yields are approximately half the normal volume. There are a few winter oilseed crops harvested but no firm reports of yield as yet. The winter oat harvest will also begin shortly. Elaine Clifford repors from Cork that there is about 20% of the winter barley area in Cork is harvested so far. Yields are good with reports of between 3.7-4.3 tons per acre. Grain quality is good but straw yields are back considerably compared to normal. No other crops are harvested so far, with winter oilseed rape at least two weeks away and winter oats longer still as most crops are still quite green. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Blight Control and Potato Crops Supply in 2020

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Shay Phelan, Crops & Potato Specialist, Teagasc, Oak Park joined Mark Plunkett on the Tillage Edge podcast this week. Shay discussed potato blight control, blight programmes, products available and their effective use. There was also an update on potato crops in 2020 and expected market supply, plus development of resistant strains of blight was also discussed on the programme. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Expected tonnage and prices for harvest 2020

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Pat Farrell, IFA Grain & Horticulture Executive joined Mark Plunkett on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with Pat giving an update on the expected tonnage for the grain harvest both locally and internationally as well as prices for 2020. Pat also discussed many factors impacting grain prices here in Ireland from maize corn, forward selling to Covid 19. It was highlighted that oilseeds and proteins crops provide an option of spreading the risk at harvest time plus offer many benefits in terms of rotation and higher cereals yields. Finally, Pat gave a very comprehensive update on the straw market and potential supplies for a range of crops in 2020. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Combine set up and the importance of stopping grass weed seeds spreading during harvest

Teagasc — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0100

Dermot Forristal was the guest on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to speak to Michael Hennessy about combine set up and also the importance of stopping grass weed seeds spreading during harvest. Crop through put, crop losses and quality are important factors in setting up the combine according to Dermot. “Adjustment varies according to combine make but in order to get the set up correct machine operators should make one adjustment at a time and check the results afterwards,” he said. Harvesting machinery from the combine to the baler, straw rakes and even tractors and trailers will spread grass weed seeds. Dermot is hugely concerned that farmers and contractors do everything possible to stop the spread of grass weeds especially blackgrass. “All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after leaving contaminated fields,” commented Dermot “And there cannot be any exceptions, especially with blackgrass.” Dermot pointed out that farmers must take responsibility for grass weed problems on their farm and inform contractors well in advance of harvest and be prepared to leave the infected fields to the end of harvest to stop any further contamination. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

The PRCD and the Challenges of Proposed Pesticide Reductions of 50%

Teagasc — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Gordon Rennick, PRCD, for the Department of Agriculture and Marine joined Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week. Gordon explained that PRCD stands for the Pesticide Registration and Control Division of the Department of Agriculture and the unit has a wide range of roles from registering pesticides, residue testing, inspecting retail and farmers along with a host of other diverse work. Gordon is involved with the registration of plant protection products (PPP) in Ireland and he mentioned the decrease of new actives coming up for registration from 30-40 per year, 20 years ago, to only 1-2 per year in more recent times. He mentioned the importance of Integrated Pest Management in protecting PPP products but said there is a limit to the contribution of cultural control methods and good IPM includes PPP’s as part of control strategies. The Farm to Fork policy document mention reductions of pesticides of 50% which Gordon says will be very challenging, and if implemented fully, yield reductions and quality are inevitable for Irish farmers. Ultimately this is a political issue but the very existence of a tillage sector in Ireland is at stake with these new proposals. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Young driver machinery safety and other areas for farm safety improvement

Teagasc — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0100

Francis Blight, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss machinery safety for young drivers and also other safety areas around the farmyard. Francis told the Tillage Edge there was no change in legislation regarding young drivers operating larger and faster tractors. Therefore, there is increased onus on the owner of the machinery to spend time training these young inexperienced drivers before letting them loose on roads. Francis recommends spending at least a couple of hours with the driver training them to safely operate the machine off the road and further time training them while driving on roads. Francis highlighted the need for reduced speeds around yards as many injuries and deaths are caused by people getting knocked down in this environment. Francis also touched on other areas where farmers can improve their practice such as workshops. Keeping these areas tidy reduces trip hazards, plus first aid kits and other safety equipment should be accessible and well maintained at all times. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

How to deal with broad leaf weed control and herbicide resistance issues

Teagasc — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0100

On the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast this week, Michael Hennessy was joined by Liz Glynn of Corteva, who chatted about broad leaf weed control and herbicide resistance issues in Ireland. Liz told the Tillage Edge there are problems with broad leaved weeds escaping uncontrolled or partially controlled through to harvest. Liz said farmers need to check a number of areas such as weed type, weed size, growing conditions and herbicide type/rate to ensure that all conditions are correct to control the weed. Where there are correct and poor weed control is observed then herbicide resistance can be considered. Liz mentioned resistance weeds such as chickweed were increasingly showing up on farm in the past couple of years. Corteva trials were showing increased resistance in chickweed to SU herbicides but herbicides like fluroxypyr (Starane) control these resistance weeds. Liz maintains where there is good practice including rotations, alternating crops, ensuring competitive canopies and good selection of correct herbicides, then growers will be able to reduce the likelihood of resistance on their farms. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia

How to deal with the current drought effects on spring barley

Teagasc — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Joining Michael Hennessy was Eoin Lyons, Teagasc Boortmalt Joint Program advisor who told Michael that there is quite a difference in crops across the south east region where he works.

South Wexford has quite good crops whereas the further north (probably from Bunclody) crops are poorer with some very disappointing crops evident now. The past couple of weeks dry and very warm weather were particularly hard on these spring crops.

Eoin pointed out there is very little disease but growers should assess crop potential. Where potential is good a normal fungicide program is advised but where yields are likely to be low then reducing fungicides costs is the prudent thing to do.

Eoin also pointed out that growers should examine fields in the coming weeks for grass weeds like wild oats and canary grass and hand rogue where possible. If this is not possible then crop burn off may be the most prudent control. In all cases drawing any infected patches on a map for reference is essential.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Tips & advice for potato agronomy at this time of year

Teagasc — Thu, 28 May 2020 07:00:00 +0100

With the current heat, many crops are growing rapidly, where moisture is not limiting. Irrigation will maintain and drive on this growth rate. This new growth is more susceptible to blight and difficult to keep protected due to the amount of new leaf material produced each week. Irrigation (or rain) will create humidity and leaf wetness making ideal conditions for blight spread.

There has already been one blight warning in the north west and if we get prolonged rain, conditions would be very conducive to blight spread. The first blight application is a trade-off between having enough foliage to receive the fungicide and the likelihood of spread. Prevention of blight in the canopy is key and sets the foundation for season long control.

Denis also stressed to need to regularly inspect seed crops for blight and viruses. Potato virus can build up quickly in seed potatoes with potato virus PVY the most important virus. Denis discusses controlling this virus but also mentions that PVY is difficult to control.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Dealing with tillage grass weeds including wild oats and blackgrass

Teagasc — Thu, 21 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Tillage grass weeds including wild oats and blackgrass were the topic for discussion on this week’s Tillage Edge and Michael Hennessy was joined by Jimmy Staples, manager of the Enable Conservation Agriculture project in Teagasc.

Jimmy told Michael that the major weeds like wild oats, bromes and blackgrass are in every county across the country and the incidence is increasing year on year.

He recommends all farmers should walk fields before spraying any grass weed herbicide and should ensure to thoroughly hand rogue the field for missed plants before harvest to prevent seed return.

Blackgrass is a weed which is becoming more prevalent in Ireland and Jimmy recommends all growers should have heightened awareness of the weed and ensure it does not establish on the farm. Where a grower has blackgrass the best farm management practice is to embrace the problem.

Where the infestation is moderate to high, crop (and weed) destruction in the coming week or so is the best option to prevent seed return and is one of the best steps for long term control. A grower in this situation should have a 5 year plan for that field and for the farm, in general, to ensure the weed is eliminated.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Bonus Ep: Winter Wheat Virtual Crop Walk

Teagasc — Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on winter wheat.

Because of Covid-19, Teagasc's normal crop walk couldn't take place, but instead we were able to bring you an interactive version with crops specialist, Stephen Kildea, as well as John Hogan, Oak Park's Farm Manager to give us an idea of what the winter wheat is looking like.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Bonus Ep: Spring Barley Virtual Crop Walk

Teagasc — Fri, 15 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on spring barley.

Because of Covid-19, Teagasc's normal crop walk couldn't take place, but instead we were able to bring you an interactive version with crops specialist, Ciaran Collins, as well as John Hogan, Oak Park's Farm Manager to give us an idea of what the spring barley is looking like.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Prospects for Crops for the Year Ahead

Teagasc — Thu, 14 May 2020 06:00:00 +0100

John Spink, Head of the Crops Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the difficulties of getting trials into the ground this year and the prospects for crops for the year ahead.

He said the dry soils in Oak Park allowed trafficability where other soils would not. Due to this almost all crops were planted into generally good conditions in the autumn and the spring. Trials are generally on track so far this year but the centre will have to manage without the usual help of visiting students during the summer.

John discussed the prospects for crops this year and commented on the effects of the current dry conditions in the east of the country. John said crops are starting to suffer from moisture stress but disease levels are low enabling a wider choice of plant protection products.

He maintains crops should be managed for maximum yield but there is no room for unproven additional products in the tank. John also maintains growers should question their agronomist about every input to ensure it will contribute to increased margins.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Bonus Ep: Winter Barley Virtual Crop Walk

Teagasc — Tue, 12 May 2020 15:30:00 +0100

On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on winter barley.

Because of Covid-19, Teagasc's normal crop walk couldn't take place, but instead we were able to bring you an interactive version with crops specialist, Shay Phelan as well as John Hogan, Oak Park's Farm Manager to give us an idea of what the winter barley is looking like.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Disease Control in Spring Barley

Teagasc — Thu, 07 May 2020 14:00:00 +0100

On the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast this week, Michael Hennessy was joined by Deirdre Doyle, Technologist in Oak Park, Carlow who chatted about disease control in spring barley.

Deirdre explained that crops were very clean at the moment, partly aided by the recent dry weather, and by reasonably good varietal resistance to fungal diseases.

She pointed out that, despite the lack of disease at the moment, growers need to walk their crops before the application of the first fungicide.

Deirdre was involved in research which re-looked at fungicide timings in spring barley. She described the key timings are at mid to late tillering for the first timing and awns emerged for the final fungicide. She also noted that a mix of key actives (triazole plus strob/SDHI) at a 50% rate will be sufficient in most cases.

As Chlorothalonil (Bravo) cannot be used after May 20th Deirdre explained there is no role for this fungicide in disease control this year either at the first or second fungicide timing in spring barley. Growers can use Folpet at the final timing and the new chemistry Revysol will also be a useful addition.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Weed Control Strategies in Spring Barley

Teagasc — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast is discussing weed control strategies in spring barley with Eoin Lyons, a Teagasc advisor working in the Teagasc/Boortmalt Joint programme

Eoin told presenter, Michael Hennessy, that although seedbeds and establishment were generally excellent crops are suffering from drought stress, especially in the eastern half of the country.

He pointed out there weren’t a huge amount of weeds emerged in fields as yet. He recommended waiting for the promised rain during this week to allow crops to recover from drought stress for a number of days and also to allow more weeds to emerge.

Eoin emphasised utilising an IPM approach to arrive at the most targeted herbicide to use in fields. He was very keen to point out the best results are achieved by applying the herbicide to a small weed (1-2 pairs of true leaves) and where possible ensure three or four days of good growth both before and after the application of the herbicide.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

How to deal with aphids and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus

Teagasc — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Tillage Specialist Ciaran Collins joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss aphids and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus or BYDV.

Ciaran outlined that all the spring cereals (wheat, barley and oats) are potentially at risk from BYDV infection and indicated that trial results has shown yield decreased of 2 tons per hectare due to BYDV.

The best timing for control is at the 4 leaf stage, with crops emerging in early to mid-April at a moderate risk (depending on your location).

Ciaran described the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) measures such as assessing risk based on location and time of planting but he also stressed the importance of infield monitoring.

Ciaran also touched on insecticide resistance in aphid populations. KDR resistance is widespread but may vary from field to field. He recommends crop inspection four to five days after application to monitor control and if live juvenile aphids are found there may be resistance in the field.

However, he pointed out if the first application was completed correctly then a reapplication of an aphicide should not be completed as no further control will be achieved.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Strategies for Winter Wheat Disease Control

Teagasc — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

This week’s guest on the Tillage Edge is Dr Steven Kildea, Researcher in Teagasc, to discuss disease control strategies in winter wheat.

Stephen first discussed the effect of later planted crops and low disease levels following the recent very dry weather. Steven pointed out there is still plenty of disease within crops and it’s the weather from now that will dictate how that disease develops.

He recommends growers walk crops regularly, assessing plant growth stages and disease levels so that the main fungicides are applied at the correct timing. It is especially important to get the first main fungicide applied at the third leaf fully emerged stage.

Steven explained how yellow rust can be a huge threat early in the season and growers need to move quickly if the disease enters a susceptible variety.

Septoria control will change somewhat this year with the introduction of a new triazole called Revystar and the withdrawal of Chlorothalonil on May 20th. Steven recommends, if Revystar is going to be used, then target its use at the flag leaf timing (in mid May) and use Chlorothalonil where it is available (but before May 20th)

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Nitrogen Strategies in Winter Cereals and Malting Barley

Teagasc — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 06:00:00 +0100

On the first episode of Teagasc's Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy was joined by Dr. Richie Hackett to discuss nitrogen strategies in winter cereals and also malting barley. Richie has a wealth of research expertise and is the main researcher in this area in Ireland.

Winter crops took a battering last autumn from later than normal planting combined with constant wet soil conditions all the way to March this year. Yield potential may have suffered however Richie is upbeat about most crops. With good agronomic management and a kind season there is still good potential in most crops.

Richie explained where plant stands were good and where the tillers/shoots were retained good yield potential can be fulfilled. For that reason Richie doesn’t recommend deviating too far from the normal amount of nitrogen applied to crops.

He recommends where a crop’s potential isn’t great to reduce nitrogen input by 20 kg N/ha for each one ton/hectare lower yield than normal. However he also recommended not to reduce overall rates by more than 40kg N/ha.

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.

Coming Soon

Teagasc — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +0100

The Tillage Edge, Teagasc's new tillage podcast, presented by Michael Hennessy, is coming soon.

During the Coivd-19 crisis we'll be bringing you weekly episodes covering agronomy needs of crops throughout the season with input from Teagasc researchers and views from across the industry.

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.