But Date Baling With I'll Help Has Do Failed To To Acres My Part Tom Barry:

Tom Barry: ACRES has failed to date - but I'll do my part to help with baling — His Picture Monanimy, Tom Field Dan Cork On For Of In Killavullen, Ready Linehan At Barry Mallow, Harvest Wheat Farm Co A

Tue, 06 Aug, 2024 - 11:43

Tom Barry, Killavullen, Cork

It's been a few months since my last Signpost update at the start of April. Since then, winter crops have been under pressure from the high rainfall and poor ground conditions, so spring setting was impossible.

The weather finally relented, and the spring beans were set on April 22 and spring setting was completed by April 28. I had six acres destined for the ACRES Co-operation scheme to provide cover and food for hen harriers but without notice, this scheme failed to progress. Therefore, spring oats was planted on May 8.

The ACRES scheme has failed to date, with only a partial payment issued despite all the measures being completed at farm level. Last week, the straw incorporation measure (SIM) was also withdrawn without consultation.

I had 100 acres allocated to this measure. It appears that a compromise has been reached allowing a hybrid model where farmers will be paid to bale.

Tampering with this scheme was unwise and disappointing given the high score ranking of SIM in the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) which sets out the amount CO2eq that can be saved or offset by environmental actions taken at farm level.

I grew a diverse range of tillage crops this year, which include winter barley, wheat, oats, rye and beans along with spring barley, oats and beans. The strong rotation has really helped crop performance.

I harvested and baled Tardis winter barley, which averaged four tonnes per acre with 12 bales of straw. This was very satisfying, as it was a struggle all year due to the weather to complete applications on time.

I have just started cutting winter oats, but again, the combine is stopped due to rain; however, the crop is promising. No fields were rolled for stones last autumn, so I am harvesting cautiously to avoid stone damage. I am also trying to avoid dropping straw from the combine onto deep tramlines to help baling.

The spring beans were set in two attempts as the weather permitted. The first ten acres received no herbicide, and interestingly, while there are some weeds present, they are not yield-limiting. The remainder got a pre-emergent herbicide.

I will not apply herbicide on this crop next year. The wet weather has really suited the spring beans and they are an impressive crop with a good pod count.

The setting rate was 200kg/ha and, in hindsight, was possibly too strong as germination was excellent. This crop has not received any artificial fertiliser as soil fertility is high.

This spring barley set on April 24 really struggled with the cold weather and was failing to thrive. I decided to apply 1,500 gallons per acre of slurry from a local dairy farm onto the standing crop.

I knew the timing was very late with the crop at growth stage 33 plus. I walked this spring barley last week and the crop has transformed, the slow release of the organic material was the key with all deficiencies remedied in the process.

This harvest, despite the constant struggle with tough weather, has the potential to perform well. Use the wet days to service and plan. I wish all tillage farmers the best of luck and stay safe.