Crop Report Update Number 4 2026

Headlines

Estimates from Teagasc advisors suggest that a significant area of the spring barley area remains to be sown. The most delayed areas are Offaly, Louth, Dublin and Meath, where 60–70% remains to be drilled, followed by south Wexford and west Cork at 50–60%. Progress is better in the southeast, with Laois, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny at 20–30% remaining, and north Wexford, south Kildare and east Cork the most advanced at just 10–20% left to sow.
Growth in winter cereals is slightly ahead of normal. Early maturing winter barley varieties like Joyau and Integral are at flag leaf fully emerged and leaf 3 is nearly fully emerged in early maturing wheat varieties like LG Rebellion. Monitor crop details are available here.
There is a backlog of spraying to be done on winter cereals due to continued wet weather.
Yellow rust is present in many winter wheat crops, but not at the levels initially feared, as cooler, wetter conditions have slowed its development. However, septoria levels are increasing. Correct timing of key fungicide applications will be critical, particularly leaf 3 sprays in winter wheat and awn emergence treatments in winter barley to get good control of septoria and ramularia, respectively.
There are increasing reports of BYDV in both winter wheat and winter barley. While not all crops are affected, the issue is more widespread in barley to date, with some cases also now evident in wheat.
There is no beet or maize planted yet.
Teagasc spring crop walks are happening around the country at the moment. Click here to find the spring crop walk in your area
Updated product tables for 2026 are now available;

Winter Wheat

Winter wheat crops are currently progressing through stem extension, with most crops ranging between GS31 and GS32 (see monitor crop details). However, there is considerable variation in crop development, particularly when assessed by leaf emergence. Crops range from leaf 4 just emerging through to leaf 3 almost fully unfolded, especially in earlier maturing varieties such as LG Rebellion. This variation highlights the importance of monitoring crops closely rather than relying solely on growth stage.

There are a few reports of BYDV in winter wheat. While infection levels vary, this is a concern given that, unlike winter barley, there are no tolerant wheat varieties available. As a result, some level of yield penalty is likely where infection is present, particularly in more heavily affected crops.

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Winter Barley

Winter barley crops are showing a wide variation in growth stages at present. Later sown crops are around GS31, while earlier sown and earlier maturing varieties such as Integral and Joyau have already reached flag leaf emergence, see details of monitor crops. Over the past few weeks, a significant level of BYDV has become evident in crops and is now a notable feature in many crops. In terms of disease, overall levels remain relatively low at present. Brown rust, which was the predominant disease earlier in the season, has generally been well controlled by earlier fungicide applications.

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Spring Barley

A recent survey of Teagasc advisors shows that a significant proportion of the spring barley crop remains to be sown, with clear regional variation.The most delayed areas are Offaly, Louth, Dublin and Meath, where 60–70% remains to be drilled, followed by south Wexford and west Cork at 50–60%. Progress is better in the southeast, with Laois, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny at 20–30% remaining, and north Wexford, south Kildare and east Cork the most advanced at just 10–20% left to sow.

For any remaining spring barley yet to be sown, seed rates should now be increased to targe 325 plants/m² to compensate for later drilling and reduced tillering potential. In addition, it is advisable to increase the level of nitrogen applied in the seedbed to support early establishment and to reduce risk if conditions are dry after sowing.

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Maize and Beet

No sowing of maize or fodder beet has taken place to date. Area is not expected to increase significantly this year, with a number of factors influencing planting intentions. In particular, beet became difficult to move towards the end of last season, while silage stocks on many livestock farms are currently adequate.

Planting of both crops is expected to begin once soil temperatures increase and conditions become more favourable.

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Spring Beans

Most spring bean crops are now planted, with the overall area expected to be similar to 2025. Establishment to date is good with little damage from crows. Attention is now turning to early crop management.

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Winter Oilseed Rape

Winter oilseed rape crops are expected to have a prolonged flowering period in 2026. Some variation in the start of flowering is normal due to factors such as pigeon grazing and differences in establishment. Earlier or ungrazed crops are already well into flowering, while later crops are only just beginning. An early start to flowering normally results in a longer flowering period overall.

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Winter Oats

Winter oat crops are currently ranging from GS32 through to GS37 (flag leaf just emerging) see monitor crop details. In general, crops are clean, although there is some evidence of old mildew infection carried over from the winter in places. Wet weather has delayed the optimum GS32 timing for PGR application in some crops. This should now be the priority, as GS32 remains the most effective timing for reducing lodging risk.

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Teagasc Crop Report

Crop Report Update Number 4 2026

Crop Report Update Number 4 2026

Headlines

Winter Wheat

Winter Barley

Spring Barley

Maize and Beet

Spring Beans

Winter Oilseed Rape

Winter Oats

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Teagasc Crop Report