A selection of cultivation methods and the latest crop advice will be delivered by Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Journal at the Crops & Cultivation open day in Oak Park on 28 June.

The cultivation arena constructed by the Irish Farmers Journal will host a number of technical demonstrations on cultivation and crop establishment systems for growers, highlighting their role in crop production.

The demonstrations will include commentary from Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Journal on the different systems. There will be about 20 slots for commercial machines to be demonstrated across seven categories. Each demonstrating exhibitor must provide both a cultivation implement and drill for their slot (except for direct drills and strip till drills).

The number of places is strictly limited. Where more than one exhibitor is demonstrating a particular machine type, they will be run simultaneously.

Where possible, the plough runs will be carried out in advance. Each demonstrator will have a number of practice strips. There will be two demonstration runs, with each machine limited to a short 50m to 60m run.

Along with the machines involved in the cultivation demos, a number of other tillage machines and tractors will be on display on the static stands located all around the main arena. There will also be a focus on controlled traffic farming from Dermot Forristal and the Oak Park team.

Teagasc researchers, tillage specialists and advisers will display the latest research findings for a range of tillage crops including winter and spring barley, oats and beans, and winter wheat and oilseed rape. Dr John Spink, head of the crops research in Teagasc, said: ‘‘The full range of agronomic practices will be on display including crop nutrition, cultivation and soil management, crop protection and integrated pest management (IPM) of disease, insects and grass weeds. This open day will be an ideal opportunity for growers to get the latest information on crop agronomy, while staying informed of the latest machinery developments for establishing crops successfully.”

The work being conducted by the Virtual Irish Centre for Crop Improvement (VICCI), which is funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and consists of a consortium of Teagasc, UCD, NUIG, NUIM and TCD, will also be on display. The centre is identifying sources of characteristics of varieties that will be of value to Irish tillage farmers such as septoria resistance, more efficient use of nutrients and waterlogging resistance.

Justin McCarthy, editor and CEO of the Irish Farmers Journal, said: “This event is essential for tillage farmers, to help them achieve the highest yields in the most economic way. This sector of farming has seen pressure on income and the effect of the world market.”

The Irish Farmers Journal is responsible for booking all the trade stands for the event. For more information, contact Helena on 01-4199 550.