Spring oilseed rape may not be the first break crop of choice for many growers.

In 2018, just over 1,600ha of the crop was grown in the country.

While the late spring and subsequent derogation of the three-crop rule most likely had an impact on the acreage, acreage of the crop barely rose above 2,000 acres in the past four years.

There’s no doubt that growers have shied away from growing spring oilseed rape (SOSR) in that past.

This may come down to a number of reasons, such as the later harvesting date and perceived lower margins.

However, according to 2018 Teagasc crops costs and returns, at a base price of €380/t even a crop 1.4t/ac crop could deliver gross margin of €192/ac.

Advantages

In addition to this, there are many advantages from growing SOSR, such as lower pigeon pressure, lower production costs and ultimately less financial risk due to a shorter growing season and lower inputs.

Now, a new opportunity has been presented for growers considering growing spring oilseed rape.

Seedtech seed contracts

Waterford-based Seedtech has, for many years, pioneered rapeseed production, much of which is destined for the export market.

Due to continued growing demand from international customers, the company is now seeking to widen its SOSR seed grower base.

Seedtech is looking for growers to express their interest in working with the company in 2019

Field choice and location are essential for successful production of the crop and Seedtech states that growers with suitable land can expect to achieve over twice the margin than growing oilseed rape for the commodity feed market.

There are a number of other selection criteria which potential growers must be aware of, but previous experience of growing the crop is not necessary.

However, Seedtech states that the growers must be conscientious, with an attention to detail.

  • Land should not have grown OSR previously.
  • A minimum isolation distance of 1km or greater from all neighbouring winter and spring OSR crops.
  • Ideally free of volunteer rape, charlock, wild mustard, wild turnip and wild radish.
  • Ideally low levels of wild oats, but can be well controlled in crops with graminicides.
  • Ideally no potatoes, beet or root crops for five years previous to seed rape.
  • Minimum field size of 20 acres required.

    • The financials

    There are new contract opportunities to produce spring oilseed rape seed this year for growers.

    SOSR seed contracts comprise of a fixed grain payment of €450/t at 9% moisture content, as well as a land payment of €202/ac.

    Growers will also receive a final seed bonus of €500/t once seed is certified.

    With typical yields of 0.6 t/ac, this would return an average revenue of €772/ac to growers.

    Typical growing costs (including materials and hire of all machinery) are €450/ac, leaving growers with a potential margin of €322/ac.

    Opportunities for growers

    With just a small area of SOSR grown in the country, one would assume there is plenty of scope to produce a seed crop in isolation.

    However, there is a substantially higher area of winter oilseed rape grown around the country (approximately 8,700ha in 2018), which growers must be conscious of due to rotational and geographical issues - see Table 2.

    None the less, this still offers a good opportunity for growers to diversify their cropping regime and spread the risk this coming harvest.

    All growers interested in contract SOSR seed opportunities are urged to contact Seedtech.

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