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Jimmy Purcell from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, is the hybrid barley grower of the year 2017. Jimmy’s crop of Bazooka yielded 4.77 t/ac, with a specific weight of 68 KPH, to win the Seedtech award.
The competition is for growers and their advisers from across the country.
The competition was primarily assessed on yield but other factors, including grain quality and crop records, also formed part of the assessment process.
Jimmy, along with his adviser James Irish from Brett Bros, were both overall and Munster regional winners. The south-Leinster award went to Kevin Nolan in Carlow and his adviser, Michael Fawle of C.R. Wynne. The north-Leinster award went to Martin and Patrick Hickey from Ardee, Co Louth, and their adviser, Conor Dobson from Teagasc.
Speakers at the event
Speaking at the event, Seedtech’s technical director Tim O’Donovan said the competition highlights the capability of farmers to maximise the potential of barley.
“This competition aims to showcase the good work farmers are doing up and down the country to maximise the potential that hybrid barley offers,” he said.
James Irish stated the importance of being able to source good native barley and in being able to support growers financially.
Jimmy Purcell outlined that he has been growing hybrid barley for the last seven years and that both yield and quality were excellent this year. He thanked James Irish and Brett Brothers for their continuous help.
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