Recent certified seed sales figures issued by the Department of Agriculture show a 16% decrease in winter wheat relative to 2013, a 27.7% increase in winter barley certified seed sales and a 9.5% increase in sales of winter oats.While certified seed sales from the trade is not a direct reflection of acreage, due to homesaved seed in particular, it provides a good indication of trends.
Recent certified seed sales figures issued by the Department of Agriculture show a 16% decrease in winter wheat relative to 2013, a 27.7% increase in winter barley certified seed sales and a 9.5% increase in sales of winter oats.
While certified seed sales from the trade is not a direct reflection of acreage, due to homesaved seed in particular, it provides a good indication of trends.
Indeed, the numbers correspond well with Teagasc’s December assessment of area change for wheat and barley but not for oats. Teagasc estimated a 14.3% drop in winter wheat area, alongside a 26% increase in winter barley area – broadly similar figures.
However, Teagasc estimated an area decrease for winter oats of 19% against a stated 9.5% increase in certified seed sales compared to 2013.
An area decrease seems likely given the price pressure in the oat market but perhaps more of the total oat crop will be winter sown to help fulfil crop diversification requirements.
The three main winter wheat varieties sold as certified seed were JB Diego (55%), Avatar (18%) and Lumos (14%).
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