Teagasc Crops Forum set for Naas in September
Farmers will be reviewing the physical and financial performance of their crops in the year just finished, and planning their crop mix for the year ahead. File picture: David Patterson
With the 2025 harvest drawing to a close earlier than in most years due to the favourable harvest weather, thoughts are immediately switching to the cropping year ahead which will start with farmers reviewing the physical and financial performance of their crops in the year just finished, and planning their crop mix for the year ahead.
The annual Teagasc Crops Forum will take place on Wednesday, September 10, in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare.
The forum is the key annual event for tillage farmers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders to explore the latest research, market opportunities, and practical strategies for profitable crop production.
This year’s theme, ‘Protecting Yield and Adding Value’, will focus on optimising variety choice, tackling emerging agronomic challenges, and exploring how rye in crop rotations can add value to the farm output.
The first session will address ‘Mapping the Best Varieties for Your Farm’ with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) presenting the variety lists for 2026.
The second session will consider the topic, ‘Is Rye an Option for Your Farm?’. Teagasc researchers and specialists, along with a UCD speaker, will answer questions including, 'why rye deserves a place in the rotation', and 'is rye a competitive feed?', as well as looking at 'Farm to Farm Trading with Rye’ and ‘Building a Rotation with Rye’.
The panel discussion at the Crops Forum will include researchers, specialists, farmers, and trade representatives.
Speaking in advance of the event, Teagasc's Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer, Michael Hennessy, encouraged farmers and those involved in the sector to attend. He said: “This is an opportunity to keep up to date with developments in the sector, and will assist growers in planning their crops for the year ahead.”
