The main cereal harvest is well over 70% complete at this stage, according to Teagasc.

With showery weather delaying the harvest in mid-August reports suggest that substantial progress was made over the last week.

Teagasc says initial reports are good with yields above the five year average for all crops and excellent grain quality to date.

Across the country yields are reported as holding up well with the early sown spring barleys yielding marginally below last year’s levels ranging from 2.5t/ac to 3.5t/ac. Wheats are also yielding well ranging from 4t/ac to as high as 4.9t/ac in parts. The average is approx. 4.5t/ac.

cereal estimates

Teagasc says Winter Oilseed rape drilling has just commenced in the north east. It highlights that farmers will be making key decisions on variety selection, seeding rate, weed and pest management over the next few weeks.

Teagasc cautions that given the warm summer and presence of the kdr gene amongst the Irish Grain Aphid population, growers are advised to pay particular attention to BYDV management in 2014.

The National Tillage Crops Forum takes place on Thursday, September 11, in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge. Greening and the 3-crop rule will be the focus of the panel discussion.

Photos of the Moment

Teagasc crop report aug