Tillage farmers urged to plan for earlier winter barley harvests
Tillage farmers must totally re-think their management of winter barley crops as they seek to maximise yields.
And these changes must reflect the improved plant genetics they are working with.
This was the clear view expressed by Drummonds’ agronomist, Brian Reilly, at a recent spring crop walk.
The event was hosted by Teagasc at the company’s varietal trails’ site close to Termonfeckin in Co. Louth.
According to Reilly, growers of winter barley must now plan back from a projected harvest date that could be as early as July 4-5.
He explained: “The latest varieties of winter barley have higher yield potential, part of which will be expressed in the firm large grain sizes and grain weights.
“But they will also go through their respective growth stages that much faster.
"This means that first nitrogens must be spread in early February with the application of all other crop inputs reflecting the enhanced growth rates that will follow."
The Drummonds’ representative cited the development of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) tolerant winter barleys as an example of the genetically superior cereal varieties now coming to market.
He continued: “These are making a real and positive difference when it comes to meeting the challenge posed by BYDV.
“The new varieties of winter barley can demonstrate symptoms of the disease to a small extent during the early spring period. But the impact on final yield is negligible.
“We can expect to have BYDV tolerant varieties of wheat commercially available in about five years’ time.”
Teagasc factsheets
Meanwhile, the Teagasc soils, nutrients and fertiliser factsheets have been re-issued in response to the increase in fertiliser prices being seen this year.
Maximising the efficiency and return on fertiliser inputs will be a critical factor in managing farm output and margins in the year ahead.
A compendium of 20 factsheets has been assembled by Teagasc to provide the latest technical advice.
They cover soil testing, lime application, organic manures, clover, phosphate and potash advice, and protected urea.
There are also detailed enterprise factsheets with practical advice for farmers with tillage businesses.
Weather
Met Éireann is forecasting unseasonably cool conditions for the rest of the week with a great chance of rain impacting on the south of the country as we head towards the weekend.
Many tillage farmers would welcome the return of more mixed weather conditions as they push ahead with their final fertiliser applications on winter cereal crops.
