Teagasc has officially launched a comprehensive new guide to support Irish tillage farmers in optimising rye production for feed and food, as well as for use in the drinks industry.

The launch of the Rye Growers’ Guide took place at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny today (Wednesday, January 28).

The conference brings together researchers, agronomists and farmers to discuss the latest innovations and opportunities in the sector.

Rye

According to Teagasc, the new guide provides "detailed, science-based information" on best agronomic practices, crop nutrition and disease control.

It outlines the role of rye in enhancing crop rotations and reducing input requirements.

The guide also includes practical insights from Teagasc trials, highlighting rye’s "potential as a resilient and climate-smart cereal crop".

The document follows field research carried out as part of a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)-funded research project entitled ‘Distilling and Brewing - Building Capacity’.

This project examined the potential of alternative grains for the distilling and brewing sectors.

Crop option

Teagasc crops research officer, Richie Hackett said that rye has "emerged as a useful crop option for Irish growers, offering good productivity, strong environmental credentials and economic resilience".

"The area of rye grown in Ireland has been increasing over the last number of years, but further increases will require increased market demand from end users and getting buy in from these end users will be key to future expansion of the crop," he said.

Copies of the new guide will be available from Teagasc Oak Park, local Teagasc advisory offices, and online via the Teagasc website.