Edmond Leahy and his son Jack are pictured opening a field of Cassia winter barley at Kilmagner, Co Cork. \ Donal O'Leary
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The 2018 winter barley harvest has commenced. Early yield indications are variable but it is inevitable that the earliest crops cut will be those worst affected by the ongoing drought and continuous heat.
The start date in the last days in June is at least 10 days earlier than normal and this is heavily influenced by the recent hot and dry conditions across the country. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that the first of the crops cut are showing considerable variability with some disappointing yields. Early reports indicate yield levels varying from 2.6t/ac to 3.8t/ac.
As would be expected, grain fill has been adversely affected by the dry conditions which forced some of these crops to ripen early.
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Early indications show specific weights ranging from well below 60kph to over 66kph. It is inevitable that awn retention will be a factor that will affect specific weight in the early part of the harvest.
Many more growers are expected to begin harvesting this week as better crops on heavier land have their grain moisture levels lowered by the ongoing heat.
Demand
The lack of moisture, which has severely affected grass growth, is driving increased demand from some livestock farmers. There are numerous reports of dairy farmers offering €1,000/ac for good crops of winter wheat for wholecrop in the past week.
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The 2018 winter barley harvest has commenced. Early yield indications are variable but it is inevitable that the earliest crops cut will be those worst affected by the ongoing drought and continuous heat.
The start date in the last days in June is at least 10 days earlier than normal and this is heavily influenced by the recent hot and dry conditions across the country. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that the first of the crops cut are showing considerable variability with some disappointing yields. Early reports indicate yield levels varying from 2.6t/ac to 3.8t/ac.
As would be expected, grain fill has been adversely affected by the dry conditions which forced some of these crops to ripen early.
Early indications show specific weights ranging from well below 60kph to over 66kph. It is inevitable that awn retention will be a factor that will affect specific weight in the early part of the harvest.
Many more growers are expected to begin harvesting this week as better crops on heavier land have their grain moisture levels lowered by the ongoing heat.
Demand
The lack of moisture, which has severely affected grass growth, is driving increased demand from some livestock farmers. There are numerous reports of dairy farmers offering €1,000/ac for good crops of winter wheat for wholecrop in the past week.
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