Hughes Brothers sowing spring beans into field that was previously flooded, on the farm of Michael and Will Gabbitt, Ballytobin House, Callan, Co Kilkenny.
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The improvement in weather heralds the belated start of spring work on tillage farms, but poor price prospects mean farmers are assessing the viability of planting crops on a field-by-field basis.
Grain prices are still below breakeven levels, with dry wheat currently €155/t, barley €145/t, and the best forward prices for harvest only €5/t to 10/t better than that.
Marginal or worn land will find it very hard to cover production costs at such prices. It is not surprising that conacre is being given up. Merchants are reporting that farmers have been slow to take seed and fertiliser.
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Beans are being planted, having proven a popular option for greening compliance last year. Seed is still freely available.
Greening up
Winter corn, which had exhibited significant yellowing in recent weeks, is finally starting to green up and grow. Most compounds have been applied, and nitrogen is now required.
Ground where autumn-sown crops were lost due to the wet winter is still eligible for the basic payment, with no need to take further action. Replanting is complicated by the requirement to create sub-plots, as the crop being sown is spring rather than winter.
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The improvement in weather heralds the belated start of spring work on tillage farms, but poor price prospects mean farmers are assessing the viability of planting crops on a field-by-field basis.
Grain prices are still below breakeven levels, with dry wheat currently €155/t, barley €145/t, and the best forward prices for harvest only €5/t to 10/t better than that.
Marginal or worn land will find it very hard to cover production costs at such prices. It is not surprising that conacre is being given up. Merchants are reporting that farmers have been slow to take seed and fertiliser.
Beans are being planted, having proven a popular option for greening compliance last year. Seed is still freely available.
Greening up
Winter corn, which had exhibited significant yellowing in recent weeks, is finally starting to green up and grow. Most compounds have been applied, and nitrogen is now required.
Ground where autumn-sown crops were lost due to the wet winter is still eligible for the basic payment, with no need to take further action. Replanting is complicated by the requirement to create sub-plots, as the crop being sown is spring rather than winter.
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