Tillage conference hears support 'crucial' for sector
Teagasc director, Prof. Frank O’Mara, has given the strongest hint yet that the details of the new €30 million tillage aid scheme will be announced very shortly.
He made the assertion courtesy of his address to the 2026 Teagasc National Tillage Conference, adding that the support is much needed.
O’Mara explained: "Tillage support is crucial.
“The sector contributes significantly to the overall impact made by farming and food across the Irish economy as a whole."
The Teagasc director is fully aware of the challenges faced by the tillage sector over recent years.
“Last year saw a recovery in grain yields relative to 2024. However, grain prices fell by 10% year-on-year," he continued.
“Overall, tillage farmers achieved a net margin of €270/ha in 2025 across all the cereals crops they produced, relative to the previous year. This figure represents a €35/ha increase on that recorded in 2024.
“However, it is still a very challenging result, given the high level of investment required in growing all tillage crops.
“And, unfortunately, the outlook for 2026 is not much better. Input prices are rising while grain prices remain in the doldrums.”
Irish grains
According to Prof. O’Mara, Irish grain is a top quality feedstuff.
This reflects the very high inherent value of Irish grains, the exceptionally low carbon footprint of the sector as a whole. and the high standards of traceability that are achieved by the industry.
He continued: “But it’s all about adding value. Exports from the Irish drinks’ sector are valued to €2 billion per annum.
"Inherent within all of this is Ireland’s clean, green image and out sustainable production systems.
“Meanwhile, tillage land is an extremely important resource when it comes to the best utilisation of the slurries and manures produced by our livestock sectors.
“Straw is another important output from the tillage sector, while crops such as maize and fodder beet continue to represent extremely valuable forage sources on dairy and other ruminant livestock farms.”
Meanwhile, new research will continue to drive the tillage sector forward, with Teagasc playing a key role in this regard, according to Prof. O'Mara.
Hybrid Rye Growers’ Guide
He specifically referenced the conference being used as the launch pad for a new Hybrid Rye Growers’ Guide.
“The tillage sector continues to drive very high levels of economic activity," the Teagasc director said.
"This includes the purchase of inputs, the high utilisation of contractors by farmers and those providing professional services to the industry.
“The end result is a tremendous contribution to the viability of our rural areas.”
