While the weather forecast last week promised much and delivered little, growers were still able to make some progress with harvesting. The harvest is now into its last 10% with many growers finished spring cereals, particularly in the south.
Others are still finishing their spring barley crops while many more have yet to start spring oats. Thousands of acres of straw remain on the ground from both winter and spring crops.
Growers will remember harvest 2020 as one of frustration. The unsettled weather has taken a toll on crops and machinery, and also on growers. Stress levels among tillage farmers are high.
One unexpected positive is the better than anticipated performance of spring barley crops, which were badly hit by drought earlier in the season. Yields of over 3t/ac are regularly being reported around the country. However, few are averaging this.
Quality is extremely variable. There are increasing reports of sprouting, fusarium and lodging.
Over-ripe spring barley crops continue to lose heads, with estimated yield losses of over 1t/ac in places. Rejection rates remain high in malting barley crops.
The quality of the last of the winter wheat is also reducing, with reports of severe head losses and sprouting in places. January-sown winter wheat is proving disappointing for many, with yields as low as 1.5t/ac reported.
Spring beans remain a week away in places but look promising. However, dry weather is required to ensure a smooth harvest. Growers have been able to plant a limited amount of winter oilseed rape over the past two weeks. However, better weather later this week will likely see a rush to get the last of this year’s rape crop drilled.
The attention is turning to winter cereals, with growers now aiming to secure selected varieties.
Read more
Irish crop residues have potential to heat 280,000 homes per year
Harvest progress at last with 80% cut
No additions to 2021 winter barley list
While the weather forecast last week promised much and delivered little, growers were still able to make some progress with harvesting. The harvest is now into its last 10% with many growers finished spring cereals, particularly in the south.
Others are still finishing their spring barley crops while many more have yet to start spring oats. Thousands of acres of straw remain on the ground from both winter and spring crops.
Growers will remember harvest 2020 as one of frustration. The unsettled weather has taken a toll on crops and machinery, and also on growers. Stress levels among tillage farmers are high.
One unexpected positive is the better than anticipated performance of spring barley crops, which were badly hit by drought earlier in the season. Yields of over 3t/ac are regularly being reported around the country. However, few are averaging this.
Quality is extremely variable. There are increasing reports of sprouting, fusarium and lodging.
Over-ripe spring barley crops continue to lose heads, with estimated yield losses of over 1t/ac in places. Rejection rates remain high in malting barley crops.
The quality of the last of the winter wheat is also reducing, with reports of severe head losses and sprouting in places. January-sown winter wheat is proving disappointing for many, with yields as low as 1.5t/ac reported.
Spring beans remain a week away in places but look promising. However, dry weather is required to ensure a smooth harvest. Growers have been able to plant a limited amount of winter oilseed rape over the past two weeks. However, better weather later this week will likely see a rush to get the last of this year’s rape crop drilled.
The attention is turning to winter cereals, with growers now aiming to secure selected varieties.
Read more
Irish crop residues have potential to heat 280,000 homes per year
Harvest progress at last with 80% cut
No additions to 2021 winter barley list
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