The first farm walk of the From the Tramlines series took place last week in Clonee, Co Meath, where 150 growers and members of the trade gathered to hear speakers and watch demonstrations.

The theme of the farm walk was ‘Getting ready for harvest 2019’ and speakers focused on topics that are important for both this coming harvest and for the years ahead.

Read this week’s Irish Farmers Journal for full coverage from both the seminar and machinery demonstration proportion of the day. Here is a selection of the highlights from the day.

Stephen Robb and host farmer Martin Hoste at the From the Tramlines farm walk in Clonee, Co Meath. / Phillip Doyle

Seminar

Justin McCarthy addresses the crowd at the From the Tramlines farm walk. / Phillip Doyle

Stephen Robb explaining the From the Tramlines programme.

The morning commenced with a conversation with the host farmer Martin Hoste. Martin was also a 2018 From the Tramlines farmer.

Stephen Robb and host farmer Martin Hoste.

Rory Deverell of FC Stone, a market analyst and advisory company, gave an update of the global grain market situation, as well as alternative marketing options.

Rory Deverell of FC Stone at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

Tom Kelly of CropSure, which runs the Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS), discussed the details of the scheme and the merits of being a member.

Tom Kelly of CropSure at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

Gordon Rennick from the Department of Agriculture discussed the pesticide actives which we are about to lose and the changing chemical landscape.

Gordon Rennick from the Department of Agriculture at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

Liz Glynn and Willie Corrigan of Corteva, partners in the From the Tramlines programme, discussed some of their new actives coming to the market.

Willie Corrigan from Corteva at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

Liz Glynn from Corteva at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

The crowd watches on at the From the Tramlines farm walk.

Claas

Mark Wilson from Claas went through the basics of machine set-up ahead of harvest during our practical demonstrations.

The demonstration centred on a Claas Lexion 750 hybrid machine and a Claas Lexion 660 straw walker machine.

Mark Wilson from Claas goes through the basics of machine set-up with farmers ahead of harvest.

Mark Wilson from Claas goes through the basics of machine set-up with farmers ahead of harvest.

Mark Wilson from Claas goes through the basics of machine set-up with farmers ahead of harvest.

Mark Wilson from Claas goes through the basics of machine set-up with farmers ahead of harvest.

Mark Wilson from Claas goes through the basics of machine set-up with farmers ahead of harvest.

Joe McDonagh

Joe McDonagh of the Road Safety Authority engaged in a discussion with Michael Moroney, motoring and vintage editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, on the current agricultural trailer regulations, such as gross weights, axle number, braking system and hitching points.

Attendees listen to the demonstration from Joe McDonagh of the RSA at the From the Tramlines farm walk . / Phillip Doyle

Attendees listen to the demonstration from Joe McDonagh of the RSA and Michael Moroney on the current agricultural trailer regulations.

Dermot Forrestal

Dermot Forrestal of Teagasc, Oak Park, provided some practical advice on tractor and combine wheel options in order to minimise compaction at harvest time.

Dermot Forrestal of Teagasc providing advice on tractor and combine wheel options in order to minimise compaction at harvest time.

Dermot Forrestal of Teagasc providing advice on tractor and combine wheel options in order to minimise compaction at harvest time at the From the Tramlines farm walk . / Phillip Doyle

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