Big numbers turned up today for the first of Teagasc’s winter crop walks in Oak Park, Carlow.
The talks are designed to give farmers an opportunity to discuss winter crop agronomy with Teagasc crop advisors, researchers and specialists.
Topics covered at the walks include; advice on fertiliser for winter cereals and Oil Seed Rape, update on winter barley fungicide strategies, update on septoria developments and managing oilseed rape crops.
The recent bad weather does not seem to have had too much of a negative impact on winter crops nationwide. Speaking recently to AgriLand, Tim O’Donovan Teagasc crop specialist, said: “I have had no farmers on with me to complain about the impact of the weather. And, from what I can gather, it’s been a similar story with all of my Teagasc colleagues across the rest of the country.”
He added: “To be honest we have had lots of wet winters to contend with in the past and crops held up pretty well in those circumstances. It is also worth pointing out that this season’s crops were sown out in perfect conditions. We did not get the rain until the middle of December, so the ground, at that stage, had the capacity to hold a lot of moisture without flooding.
“In situations where parts of fields have been under water for a consecutive number of days, then a degree of plant kill can be expected.”
The crop walks will be continuing throughout this month across the country and Teagasc invites all interested to attend an event in their locality.
Location and times are as follows:
Tuesday 11 Feb Whites Brs., The Naul, Co Dublin 11am
Tuesday 11 Feb DAFM, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork 11am
Wednesday 12 Feb Kildalton College, Pilltown Co Kilkenny 11am
Wednesday 26 Feb John Fortune, Crossabeg, Co Wexford 10am
Image: Teagasc Winter Crop Walk in Oak Park today