Weather: It has been showery and there are a number of farmers with crops still to cut, particularly in the northwest of the country, with beans the main crop left further south and some spring oilseed rape.

Some farmers will plant rye in the coming days. It is the crop most suited to early planting, if you have a lot of planting to do. Avoid early planting of other winter cereals to reduce the risk of grass weeds, barley yellow dwarf virus, take-all and crop diseases.

It is a fine balance between getting a crop established and sprayed in good conditions, and delaying planting to find bad weather has arrived. Hold off to the end of September at least. Oilseed rape planting is wrapped up for many and should finish up this week. Apply pre-emergence herbicides where possible and get volunteers under control. Watch out for flea beetle.

Flea beetle: Flea beetle is active in some oilseed rape crops and growers should check crops as they are emerging. Flea beetle can wipe out crops very quickly. Crops are most at risk around the cotyledon stage.

Once they hit two-true leaves they should be passed the biggest threat from the insect. Flea beetle is not common in Ireland, but has caused huge issues in England. The hot and dry weather this summer has likely helped the insect’s populations.

Some crops may need to be sprayed, but many may not. The key is to keep an eye and act fast where needed. If spraying you can discuss the insecticide you want to use with your agronomist.

Carnadine is a relatively new product to the market and it claims to give good control of cabbage stem flea beetle.

Carnadine can be applied at 200ml/ha from one leaf to nine leaves. Take a look at crops and if unsure on whether to spray or not, then ask your agronomist. Crops that are emerging evenly and quickly may not need to be sprayed. Many crops may be well passed the highest risk point as they were sown early.

Tillage Day: Tillage Day is back for 2026 and takes place in The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, on Thursday 5 November. The event is organised by the Irish Farmers Journal and supported by the Irish Seed Trade Association is farmer focused. Tickets are now on sale and include, tea/coffee, refreshments and dinner.

There is an early bird offer of €50 for the day, so I would encourage you to purchase your tickets early to avail of this offer. Talks will focus on positive changes to make on farm, grain markets, Irish grain use in animal feed, EU regulations, an update from the Department of Agriculture on the Food Vision Report and much, much more. To purchase your ticket go to www.ifj.ie/tillageday.