Tillage
The option of whole cropping winter barley – but more likely – winter wheat may well be a thought in many tillage farmers’ minds right now
Significant numbers of tillage farmers may well seek to grow forage crops as part of their spring planting mix in 2024.
Farm inspections will be included within the remits of both the Tillage Incentive and Protein Aid Schemes.
Dairy Technical
Alternative forages, such as maize, triticale, rye and wholecrop wheat, will complement lush grass silage in dairy diets
Beef
Anyone planning on saving a cereal crop for wholecrop should keep an eye on crop growth stages and dry matter percentages.
Wholecrop silage will no doubt be on many people's minds and may be an attractive option for many - both livestock and tillage farmers.
Wholecrop silage season is kicking off. Unlike last year, many of the crops being ensiled were planted with the intention of making silage.
Hybrid rye could fit in well to tillage farmers' systems and encourage more fodder production agreements.
Dairy
Wholecrop silage is a very popular option for farmers this season, as fodder stocks remain low. It's also an expensive option in many cases.
Grass
As next winter's feed reserves are now being used, farmers are beginning to turn their attentions to alternatives - such as wholecrop cereals - to bolster next winter's feed reserves.
There are a number of alternative feed sources available, but Irish farmers must be aware of each feed sources cost.
