All roads lead to Teagasc Oak Park next Wednesday for the Crops & Spreaders event. There is an abundance of crop research on show throughout the grounds of Teagasc Oak Park which all growers should take the opportunity to explore.

Once again this year, the Irish Farmers Journal has partnered with Teagasc to run the demonstration area which forms the centrepiece of the open day.

The main focus of this year’s event is on the importance of accurate and even fertiliser spreading, so naturally the demonstrations will centre on fertiliser spreaders.

Five of Ireland’s top fertiliser spreader brands and models are taking part in the demonstration (see Table 1). Each spreader will be introduced by the Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc commentary team, and the key features of each will be discussed. These include the spreading elements such as discs and veins, GPS and headland spreading mechanisms, weighing/flow control, calibration mechanism and much more.

For a full description of each spreader taking part in the demonstration, go to the free 24-page Crops & Spreaders supplement.

Other aspects which are vital for achieving even and accurate fertiliser spreading will be discussed such fertiliser physical quality, setting and adjustments, and technology.

Live demo

The second part of the demo comprises of the live demonstration of the GPS section control. Each fertiliser spreader will drive along a tramline into a pointed headland. The spreaders will be simulating spreading, demonstrating how their GPS section control handles the short point in the tramline as it approaches the headland.

Attendees will see everything happening in the cab during the demonstration through our big screen.

A team member will be in the cab providing live video and commentary. The demonstration kicks off at 12pm and runs again at 2pm and 4pm.

There will also be numerous talks within the demonstration area focusing on health and safety, tray testing, fertiliser quality, good and bad fertiliser spreading and organic manures.

In addition to this, there will be over 30 trade stands around the demonstration area including machinery, services and technology companies.

For a full list of exhibitors, go this week’s Crops & Spreaders supplement. This week’s machinery pull out also features a Crops & Spreaders Extra, which focuses on new machines at this year’s event.

Crops & Spreaders is an event not to be missed.

Demo times

  • Gates open: 11am
  • First demo: 12pm
  • Second demo: 2pm
  • Third demo: 4pm

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