Early harvest indications point to disappointing tillage yields

THE early harvest indications suggest there will be significant drop in tillage yields, according to Teagasc.

With up to 50% of winter barley crops harvested, yields are reported to be disappointing, reflecting the impact of the wet weather on tillage crops.

Teagasc chief tillage advisor Jim O’Mahony said winter barley crops harvested to date are yielding from 5-8 tonnes/hectare (2.0-3.2tonnes/acre), which is around 0.5 tonnes below yields achieved in 2001. He said the real barometer of the harvest will be the performance of winter wheat and spring barley crops, which account for the bulk of the tillage area.