Teagasc Crop Report
Crop Report Number 2 2024
Crop Report Number 2 2024
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Winter Barley
Winter barley crops are variable around the country. Thinner or backward crops will require a different management strategy to 'normal' crops. Disease levels are low although some septoria nodorum has been observed in Tardis.
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Winter Wheat
Winter wheat crops have started to green up somewhat in the last few weeks although there are still bare patches visible in many crops. Fertiliser and weed control will be the priorities over the coming weeks.
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Spring cereal seed
It is estimated that imported seed could make up to 25% of this years spring cereal seed. This seed can broadly be categorised into;
1. Varieties currently on the DAFM recommended list and well tested in Irish conditions
2. Varieties that have been tested by DAFM and seed companies but for one reason or another have not made it onto the recommended list
3. Varieties not previously grown in Ireland (smallest category)
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Winter Oilseed Rape
Crops are looking well at the moment although soils are wet. Many growers are now looking at applying early nitrogen to get crops growing. Light leaf spot is the main disease concern at the minute.
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Winter Oats
There were very few winter oat crops drilled last back end, however those that were sown are looking well for the most part. Crops are at late GS 21/22 and while there are no signs yet of any nutrient deficiency in crops, they will require a compound fertiliser in early to mid March.
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Spring beans
Beans make financial sense. In the Teagasc Costs and Returns 2024, only winter wheat and malting barley leave a higher margin than beans. Almost half of the margin from beans comes from the protein payment, estimated at €400/ha. The final protein payment that growers will receive is dependent on the area planted but is likely to be in the range of €350 - €500/ha. The fact that the payment is guaranteed regardless of yield and grain price offers a layer of security in a time of falling grain prices.
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Field Margins and Fertiliser Register
Farmers need to be very clear on the Cross Compliance rules around necessary field margins. Failure to have the appropriate margin risks penalties form the BISS payments. 
Similarly the new DAFM National Fertiliser Database allows all chemical fertilisers to be tracked leaving little or no wriggle room for farmers outside the recommended allowances. Farmers should ensure all organic manures used in 2024 are included when calculating the total farm allowances. 