Teagasc: 2011 produced some of the highest cereal yields on record

Ireland has enjoyed high cereal yields over the last decade, with the highest average wheat and second highest average barley yields in the world, according to Teagasc research.

Teagasc head of crops science John Spink told those attending the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in Kilkenny that 2011 produced some of the highest yields on record, with an average increase of 13% on 2010 yields. This result was particularly surprising, given the record years that preceded.

Mr Spink said: “Favourable weather conditions in the spring resulted in good leaf and tiller formation, resulting in increased crop canopy sizes and ear numbers. This early spring growth was particularly important for spring barley.

“From May to harvest, temperatures were below normal and average solar radiation was above normal, which combined to prolong grain fill and allow crops to fill the high grain numbers. This combination of weather conditions resulted in the record yields achieved in 2011.”

Prof Ian Crute, chief scientist at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in Britain, delivered the keynote address to the 500 tillage farmers attending.

He addressed the ’Challenges and Opportunities for Northern European Agriculture’.

Meanwhile, research to investigate the issue of low protein levels in malting barley commenced at the Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park in 2011. This multi-year research programme is examining various aspects of fertiliser nitrogen use to determine the most appropriate strategy for spring barley.

Preliminary results from the first year were presented at the conference. The importance of accurate and even application of fertilisers to crops was stressed, along with the key role of getting the mechanics of the fertiliser spreader right to achieve efficient use of fertiliser.

Share-farming arrangements are a relatively new business model used by Irish tillage farmers. Share farming allows the landowner and a share farmer to carry on separate farming businesses on the same land without forming a partnership or company.

Ollie Whyte from Naul in Co Dublin outlined how he has entered into share farming arrangements with other partners.