A challenging year for protein crops

Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, says a decent dry spell is needed to harvest the remainder of this year's bean crop.

The primary issue is late bean crop maturity due to delayed sowing.

Harvesting spring beans this year is proving to be very challenging. While it is hard to determine an exact figure, estimates suggest that only 10% of the crop remains unharvested in some areas while up to half of this year’s crop remains unharvested in other areas. 

The primary issue is late crop maturity due to delayed sowing. Many crops have not yet reached full maturity, with green stems and pods still visible in some fields. Even where crops are mature, it is difficult to get moisture down low enough to harvest.