Harvest gets off to a strong start after weeks of hot weather
I was worried that the long, dry, hot weather might reduce yields by prematurely ripening crops. However, the yields and quality so far are good, writes North Cork tillage farmer Tom Barry. Picture: Dan Linehan
Harvest 2026 started for me on July 3.
I harvested Integral and SY Canyon winter barley, which yielded well, averaging around 10t/ha, due to having a strong crop rotation and high soil fertility from years of organic manure application. Straw yield was between 25 and 30 round bales/ha.
Winter oats were cut on July 10 and yielded 9t/ha. Harvesting of winter rye began on July 21 and seems promising.
I was worried that the long, dry, hot weather might reduce yields by prematurely ripening crops. However, the yields and quality so far are good.
One interesting feature is that crop rotation and high soil fertility are delivering yield ahead of continuous crops this year. Crop rotation is essential, and I think the effects of take-all are not being taken seriously enough.
On July 2, Teagasc arranged a farm visit for around 20 of its researchers.
These researchers were experts in many areas, including water quality, sustainability in agriculture, soil science, climate mitigation, education, and social and behavioural science, along with sheep, beef, dairy and tillage enterprise specialists.
It provided an opportunity for researchers and policy advisers to evaluate how various schemes and measures are working at farm level.
The visit was also a valuable opportunity to discuss how schemes might be modified to help us reach our common goals, especially in relation to water quality and the reduction of artificial fertiliser, with greater emphasis on organic manures and better co-operation between the farming sectors.
On July 8, I did an information video and interview with John Mahon of Teagasc. John co-ordinates the tillage farmers in the Signpost programme. The topic we discussed was AgNav, and this interview was organised by Bord Bia.
AgNav is a free digital sustainability and carbon-tracking platform for Irish farmers. It was developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation).
AgNav is a very valuable tool in my farming business. For the first time, I am able to calculate the carbon produced by my farming operation on a per-hectare and per-tonne basis.
The practical use of this AgNav tool means I am now able to sell my grain with a carbon footprint included on the invoice. This, hopefully, will be of benefit to my local grain buyers in reducing the carbon footprint of their farming systems.
I have once again applied for the SIM and, as I write this, I am awaiting the acceptance letter from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I also had to use my AgriSnap app to confirm a winter barley crop on two plots. This was a bit amusing, as the barley was cut and the straw baled. I agree with good oversight and inspection; however, adding this task in the middle of harvest was frustrating.
I have the winter barley stubble disked and ready for cover crop sowing. This cover crop is part of the very successful Farming for Water EIP for water quality.
The one unusual feature this year is that field cultivation took a few attempts, as the dust was blinding and there was a safety issue with obscuring vision on local roads. Every year, farming throws up a new challenge!
Finally, I would like to wish all involved a successful and safe harvest.
