Magilligan,
Co Derry
High winds coupled with very dry conditions have made life difficult in the Magilligan area in Derry. This area forms a peninsula, which lies in the northwest of the county and spans across 8,000ac of mainly tillage and grassland.
The land is very sandy and is unlike anything found in the region.
Last week’s strong winds coupled with dry conditions blew the plastic off of around 30ac of Jonathan’s maize.
In times of high rainfall and wet conditions, this land is generally workable. However, during times of low rainfall, conditions become very dry.
This is the case on Jonathan’s land. Some of his crops are now under serious pressure for moisture.
Last weekend, windy conditions blew the plastic off around 30ac of maize as the sandy soils, which were holding the plastic in place, blew away.
“If you were in the fields that day, you would’ve needed to wear goggles due to the sand and wind,” he says.
The crop was around 15cm in height when the plastic blew off and now appear as if they’ve been “sand-blasted”.
However, rainfall over the weekend has helped ease pressure in some crops, explains Jonathan. His spring barley crops have visibly improved in appearance this week.
Early last week, the crop received an application of Fandango (1l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha), as well as Medax Max (0.3kg/ha) and the trace element spray Crop Lift (2kg/ha). He is happy with the condition of his winter wheat crops, as they are sown on slightly heavier land.
Jonathan thinks the damage has already been done in his winter barley crops due to moisture stress and isn’t expecting a bumper crop
The crops received a T1 of Ascra Xpro (1l/ha) and Bravo (1l/ha) at the start of May and were brought to 175kg N/ha.
Early last week, the crop received a T2 of Bravo (1l/ha), Elatus Era (1l/ha) and EPSO Combitop (5kg/ha).
Jonathan thinks the damage has already been done in his winter barley crops due to moisture stress and isn’t expecting a bumper crop.
On 11 May, the crop received a head spray of Fandango (1l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha) and EPSO Combitop (5kg/ha).
Jonathan thinks his hybrid rye crop is shorter than previous years, which could be due to lack of moisture. On 7 May, his winter oilseed rape received an application of Prosaro (0.75l/ha). Jonathan thinks the flowering period may have been shorter this year.
Navan,
Co Meath
The 14mm of rain over the past 10 days in Navan was enough to make a difference, but more would be welcome, explains Colm. However, the return of hot, dry weather this week could risk stressing crops even further.
His later-sown spring barley has been under the most pressure for moisture, as it has received little rain since planting.
Colm is moving the last of his grain to begin getting the grain store ready for harvest 2020.
The crop has visibly improved in colour over the weekend. He also applied an application of zinc trace elements, which appeared to have helped. The rest of his spring barley crops are looking well and have been brought up to 138kg N/ha.
Last week, the crop received a herbicide treatment of Cameo Max (40g/ha). Dirtier crops also received Zypar (0.75l/ha) and Axial Pro (0.55l/ha). Some crops may also receive an application of Hurler in their next fungicide spray.
Crops also received a T1 of Protendo (0.5l/ha) and Bravo (1l/ha) at the beginning of last week. Colm noted small amounts of rhynco appearing in the crop.
His spring oats crops are looking good but are a little rank. Emergence was very good, so plant populations are high. The crop has been brought up to 125kg N/ha.
While his winter wheat is thinner than he would have liked, he is still relatively happy with the crop
Last week, the crop received Ceraide (1l/ha), Cameo Max (40g/ha) and Comet (0.5l/ha), as well as Hurler where chickweed was present. Colm intends to apply another growth regulator this week.
While his winter wheat is thinner than he would have liked, he is still relatively happy with the crop. Early last week, the crop received a T2 of Bravo (1l/ha) and Ascra Xpro (1.2l/ha). Little disease is evident in his crop.
The crop is now at the booting stage and Colm notes that there are some signs of moisture stress.
His winter barley received a head spray two weeks ago of Bravo (1l/ha) and Ceriax (1.5l/ha). Crop condition is varied, ranging from poor to very good. The awns are beginning to lose colour in the areas of fields on gravel beds.
His winter oilseed rape crops received an application of Filan (0.37kg/ha) at petal fall around three weeks ago.
Curracloe,
Co Wexford
Crops in Curracloe have had to contend with harsh wind, dry conditions and frost over the past few weeks, which has set them back a bit, explains Padraig.
The 11mm of rainfall received last week has certainly eased the pressure for moisture, but irrigation is still required on most of his potato crops. Managing irrigation is now Padraig’s main priority until mid-July.
Irrigation of potato crops has begun in Curralcoe. Padraig is applying 15mm of water onto the crop every five days.
Farming on dry, sandy soil means some irrigation is required most years. They run six irrigators on four pumps, which can run through the night if required.
This year, their furthest draw is 2.5km. Crops receive around 15mm every five days for as long as conditions remain dry.
As irrigation commences, blight pressure increases, and Padraig’s father is now applying a blight spray every seven days to all crops
In general, their potato crops are looking quite good, but some early Queens were damaged by the frost two weeks ago. However, damage was limited.
As irrigation commences, blight pressure increases, and Padraig’s father is now applying a blight spray every seven days to all crops. His first spray consisted of Infinito (1.6l/ha) and Moximate (2.5kg/ha). His next spray will consist of Infinito at 1.6l/ha.
His onion crops have all emerged and the team will soon commence their fungicide programme. Mildew is a key disease in onions, Padraig explains.
This week, he will apply Penncozeb (2kg/ha). His carrot crops may soon require irrigation, if conditions remain dry.
Spring barley
His Gangway and Prospect spring barley, grown for roasting, malting and feed, have responded well to the recent rainfall. The crops are currently around G31.
Last week, they received a T1 of Decoy (0.4/ha), Comet (0.4l/ha), Optimus (0.15l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha) and Axial Pro (0.5l/ha). His Isabel winter oats are currently around GS59. Disease pressure is generally low.
Last week, they received an application of Comet (0.3l/ha), Velogy Era (0.75l/ha), as well as a magnesium, potash and boron trace element spray.
Maintenance work is also ongoing, with his single row, trailed and self-propelled harvesters. They use a single row harvester to harvest the first of the potatoes green.
Magilligan,
Co Derry
High winds coupled with very dry conditions have made life difficult in the Magilligan area in Derry. This area forms a peninsula, which lies in the northwest of the county and spans across 8,000ac of mainly tillage and grassland.
The land is very sandy and is unlike anything found in the region.
Last week’s strong winds coupled with dry conditions blew the plastic off of around 30ac of Jonathan’s maize.
In times of high rainfall and wet conditions, this land is generally workable. However, during times of low rainfall, conditions become very dry.
This is the case on Jonathan’s land. Some of his crops are now under serious pressure for moisture.
Last weekend, windy conditions blew the plastic off around 30ac of maize as the sandy soils, which were holding the plastic in place, blew away.
“If you were in the fields that day, you would’ve needed to wear goggles due to the sand and wind,” he says.
The crop was around 15cm in height when the plastic blew off and now appear as if they’ve been “sand-blasted”.
However, rainfall over the weekend has helped ease pressure in some crops, explains Jonathan. His spring barley crops have visibly improved in appearance this week.
Early last week, the crop received an application of Fandango (1l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha), as well as Medax Max (0.3kg/ha) and the trace element spray Crop Lift (2kg/ha). He is happy with the condition of his winter wheat crops, as they are sown on slightly heavier land.
Jonathan thinks the damage has already been done in his winter barley crops due to moisture stress and isn’t expecting a bumper crop
The crops received a T1 of Ascra Xpro (1l/ha) and Bravo (1l/ha) at the start of May and were brought to 175kg N/ha.
Early last week, the crop received a T2 of Bravo (1l/ha), Elatus Era (1l/ha) and EPSO Combitop (5kg/ha).
Jonathan thinks the damage has already been done in his winter barley crops due to moisture stress and isn’t expecting a bumper crop.
On 11 May, the crop received a head spray of Fandango (1l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha) and EPSO Combitop (5kg/ha).
Jonathan thinks his hybrid rye crop is shorter than previous years, which could be due to lack of moisture. On 7 May, his winter oilseed rape received an application of Prosaro (0.75l/ha). Jonathan thinks the flowering period may have been shorter this year.
Navan,
Co Meath
The 14mm of rain over the past 10 days in Navan was enough to make a difference, but more would be welcome, explains Colm. However, the return of hot, dry weather this week could risk stressing crops even further.
His later-sown spring barley has been under the most pressure for moisture, as it has received little rain since planting.
Colm is moving the last of his grain to begin getting the grain store ready for harvest 2020.
The crop has visibly improved in colour over the weekend. He also applied an application of zinc trace elements, which appeared to have helped. The rest of his spring barley crops are looking well and have been brought up to 138kg N/ha.
Last week, the crop received a herbicide treatment of Cameo Max (40g/ha). Dirtier crops also received Zypar (0.75l/ha) and Axial Pro (0.55l/ha). Some crops may also receive an application of Hurler in their next fungicide spray.
Crops also received a T1 of Protendo (0.5l/ha) and Bravo (1l/ha) at the beginning of last week. Colm noted small amounts of rhynco appearing in the crop.
His spring oats crops are looking good but are a little rank. Emergence was very good, so plant populations are high. The crop has been brought up to 125kg N/ha.
While his winter wheat is thinner than he would have liked, he is still relatively happy with the crop
Last week, the crop received Ceraide (1l/ha), Cameo Max (40g/ha) and Comet (0.5l/ha), as well as Hurler where chickweed was present. Colm intends to apply another growth regulator this week.
While his winter wheat is thinner than he would have liked, he is still relatively happy with the crop. Early last week, the crop received a T2 of Bravo (1l/ha) and Ascra Xpro (1.2l/ha). Little disease is evident in his crop.
The crop is now at the booting stage and Colm notes that there are some signs of moisture stress.
His winter barley received a head spray two weeks ago of Bravo (1l/ha) and Ceriax (1.5l/ha). Crop condition is varied, ranging from poor to very good. The awns are beginning to lose colour in the areas of fields on gravel beds.
His winter oilseed rape crops received an application of Filan (0.37kg/ha) at petal fall around three weeks ago.
Curracloe,
Co Wexford
Crops in Curracloe have had to contend with harsh wind, dry conditions and frost over the past few weeks, which has set them back a bit, explains Padraig.
The 11mm of rainfall received last week has certainly eased the pressure for moisture, but irrigation is still required on most of his potato crops. Managing irrigation is now Padraig’s main priority until mid-July.
Irrigation of potato crops has begun in Curralcoe. Padraig is applying 15mm of water onto the crop every five days.
Farming on dry, sandy soil means some irrigation is required most years. They run six irrigators on four pumps, which can run through the night if required.
This year, their furthest draw is 2.5km. Crops receive around 15mm every five days for as long as conditions remain dry.
As irrigation commences, blight pressure increases, and Padraig’s father is now applying a blight spray every seven days to all crops
In general, their potato crops are looking quite good, but some early Queens were damaged by the frost two weeks ago. However, damage was limited.
As irrigation commences, blight pressure increases, and Padraig’s father is now applying a blight spray every seven days to all crops. His first spray consisted of Infinito (1.6l/ha) and Moximate (2.5kg/ha). His next spray will consist of Infinito at 1.6l/ha.
His onion crops have all emerged and the team will soon commence their fungicide programme. Mildew is a key disease in onions, Padraig explains.
This week, he will apply Penncozeb (2kg/ha). His carrot crops may soon require irrigation, if conditions remain dry.
Spring barley
His Gangway and Prospect spring barley, grown for roasting, malting and feed, have responded well to the recent rainfall. The crops are currently around G31.
Last week, they received a T1 of Decoy (0.4/ha), Comet (0.4l/ha), Optimus (0.15l/ha), Bravo (1l/ha) and Axial Pro (0.5l/ha). His Isabel winter oats are currently around GS59. Disease pressure is generally low.
Last week, they received an application of Comet (0.3l/ha), Velogy Era (0.75l/ha), as well as a magnesium, potash and boron trace element spray.
Maintenance work is also ongoing, with his single row, trailed and self-propelled harvesters. They use a single row harvester to harvest the first of the potatoes green.
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