THE total tillage area in Ireland has reduced by 20% this year compared with that sown in 2008 due to difficult weather and poor market conditions, Teagasc revealed yesterday at its Tillage Open Day at Knockbeg Research Farm, Carlow.

THE prospects and margins for tillage crops in 2009 will be discussed at the annual Teagasc Crops Open Day at Knockbeg Research Farm, on the outskirts of Carlow town, on June 25.