The first farm walk of the From the Tramlines series took place last week in Clonee, Co Meath, where 150 growers and members of the trade gathered to hear speakers and watch demonstrations.
The theme of the farm walk was ‘Getting ready for harvest 2019’ and speakers focused on topics that are important for both this coming harvest and for the years ahead.
Read this week’s Irish Farmers Journal for full coverage from both the seminar and machinery demonstration proportion of the day. Here is a selection of the highlights from the day.
Seminar
The morning commenced with a conversation with the host farmer Martin Hoste. Martin was also a 2018 From the Tramlines farmer.
Rory Deverell of FC Stone, a market analyst and advisory company, gave an update of the global grain market situation, as well as alternative marketing options.
Tom Kelly of CropSure, which runs the Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS), discussed the details of the scheme and the merits of being a member.
Gordon Rennick from the Department of Agriculture discussed the pesticide actives which we are about to lose and the changing chemical landscape.
Liz Glynn and Willie Corrigan of Corteva, partners in the From the Tramlines programme, discussed some of their new actives coming to the market.
Claas
Mark Wilson from Claas went through the basics of machine set-up ahead of harvest during our practical demonstrations.
The demonstration centred on a Claas Lexion 750 hybrid machine and a Claas Lexion 660 straw walker machine.
Joe McDonagh
Joe McDonagh of the Road Safety Authority engaged in a discussion with Michael Moroney, motoring and vintage editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, on the current agricultural trailer regulations, such as gross weights, axle number, braking system and hitching points.
Dermot Forrestal
Dermot Forrestal of Teagasc, Oak Park, provided some practical advice on tractor and combine wheel options in order to minimise compaction at harvest time.
