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

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.