Grain
As reported last January, a number of farmers along the western seaboard faced the challenge of dealing with 2017’s unharvested crop this spring.
Work began this weekend on one Co Donegal farm to clear the small field of spring barley which could not be harvested last autumn due to poor weather conditions.
In an attempt to capture value from the April sown spring cereal, David Elder ran his combine through the three and a half acre field last Saturday. Drying conditions have been good around the country since the latter half of last week which paved the way for field work including harvesting grain.
David, who works part time on the tillage and sheep farm with his father (Gordon) and uncle (Alfie) stated that he wanted to salvage as much value out of the crop as possible while clearing the field for this year’s planned spring oat crop.
The condition of the crop made for a challenging harvest. Some of the field was tossed while other parts of the field were still standing. In total, the crop yielded 0.5 t/ac at 20% moisture content. The quality of the grain was variable.
David intends to keep the grain for use on his own farm. The straw and fallen grain heads which remain in the field is currently begin grazed by sheep to assist in clearing the ground.
Running the combine over a field of unharvested spring barley before sheep were put in graze off the field.Straw
Meanwhile, balers were out in full force throughout the country during the weekend in a bid to gather last year’s straw and clear fields for this year’s crops. The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable condition.
The bales will be mostly be used for bedding this coming season. Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week.
Part of the crop was badly lodged while more of it was just broken down.Part of the crop was badly lodged while more of it was just broken down.
Grain quality was very mixed.Grain quality was very mixed.
Last year's spring barley straw was baled last Sunday at Drumbuoy Farm, Co Donegal.Last year's spring barley straw was baled last Sunday at Drumbuoy Farm, Co Donegal.
The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable shape.The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable shape.
Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week. Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week.
Spring barley straw baled in February. Spring barley straw baled in February.
Read more
In pictures: baling straw in February
Straw prices fall at ANM
Grain
As reported last January, a number of farmers along the western seaboard faced the challenge of dealing with 2017’s unharvested crop this spring.
Work began this weekend on one Co Donegal farm to clear the small field of spring barley which could not be harvested last autumn due to poor weather conditions.
In an attempt to capture value from the April sown spring cereal, David Elder ran his combine through the three and a half acre field last Saturday. Drying conditions have been good around the country since the latter half of last week which paved the way for field work including harvesting grain.
David, who works part time on the tillage and sheep farm with his father (Gordon) and uncle (Alfie) stated that he wanted to salvage as much value out of the crop as possible while clearing the field for this year’s planned spring oat crop.
The condition of the crop made for a challenging harvest. Some of the field was tossed while other parts of the field were still standing. In total, the crop yielded 0.5 t/ac at 20% moisture content. The quality of the grain was variable.
David intends to keep the grain for use on his own farm. The straw and fallen grain heads which remain in the field is currently begin grazed by sheep to assist in clearing the ground.
Running the combine over a field of unharvested spring barley before sheep were put in graze off the field.Straw
Meanwhile, balers were out in full force throughout the country during the weekend in a bid to gather last year’s straw and clear fields for this year’s crops. The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable condition.
The bales will be mostly be used for bedding this coming season. Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week.
Part of the crop was badly lodged while more of it was just broken down.Part of the crop was badly lodged while more of it was just broken down.
Grain quality was very mixed.Grain quality was very mixed.
Last year's spring barley straw was baled last Sunday at Drumbuoy Farm, Co Donegal.Last year's spring barley straw was baled last Sunday at Drumbuoy Farm, Co Donegal.
The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable shape.The majority of the straw is from spring cereals and due to good drying conditions, appears to be in reasonable shape.
Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week. Some growers have decided to chop and incorporate laying swards as they fear the market may be flooded with similar quality straw within the next week.
Spring barley straw baled in February. Spring barley straw baled in February.
Read more
In pictures: baling straw in February
Straw prices fall at ANM
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: