John Spink, Head of the Crops Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the difficulties of getting trials into the ground this year and the prospects for crops for the year ahead.  

He said the dry soils in Oak Park allowed trafficability where other soils would not.  Due to this almost all crops were planted into generally good conditions in the autumn and the spring.  Trials are generally on track so far this year but the centre will have to manage without the usual help of visiting students during the summer.

John discussed the prospects for crops this year and commented on the effects of the current dry conditions in the east of the country.  John said crops are starting to suffer from moisture stress but disease levels are low enabling a wider choice of plant protection products.  

He maintains crops should be managed for maximum yield but there is no room for unproven additional products in the tank.  John also maintains growers should question their agronomist about every input to ensure it will contribute to increased margins.  

For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.