Crop diversification

Two- and three-crop rules remain in place for majority of farmers

Here is a recap of crop diversification requirements for the season ahead. The rules are prohibitive but have to be enforced.

NEWS 10 March 2026

Two- and three-crop rules remain in place for majority of farmers

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Testing Irish rye for its use in food production

Testing Irish rye for its use in food production

NEWS 8 February 2026

71% of tillage farmers have less than 30ha

71% of tillage farmers have less than 30ha

NEWS 1 February 2026

Tillage Management: crop rules, slurry and varieties

Tillage Management: crop rules, slurry and varieties

Tillage Management: crop rules, slurry and varieties

HUSBANDRY 14 January 2026

Tillage management: rainfall levels, temperatures and rules

Tillage management: rainfall levels, temperatures and rules

Tillage management: rainfall levels, temperatures and rules

HUSBANDRY 19 November 2025

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Two-crop rule leeway only for holdings under 30ha

Two-crop rule leeway only for holdings under 30ha

Tillage growers with less than 30ha will be disappointed to hear that the simplification expected of the rule may not help their farm.

NEWS 31 August 2025

Progress on plans to cut farm inspections

Progress on plans to cut farm inspections

The package proposes a scrapping of crop diversification requirements, commonly referred to as the two-crop rule, for those farming below 30ha.

NEWS 31 August 2025

Brussels deal progresses plan for fewer on-the-ground CAP scheme checks

Brussels deal progresses plan for fewer on-the-ground CAP scheme checks

A deal reached on Monday saw MEPs and member states agree in principle to back plans to limit the number of in-person CAP scheme checks a farmer will receive annually to just one, where possible.

NEWS 31 August 2025

Two-crop rule removal dependent on votes at EU council and parliament

Two-crop rule removal dependent on votes at EU council and parliament

The two-crop rule required under CAP could be removed if current proposals are brought forward. The IFA has welcomed the move.

NEWS 31 August 2025

IFA welcomes proposal to change three-crop rule

IFA welcomes proposal to change three-crop rule

Under the proposal there would be no crop diversification requirements on tillage farmers growing fewer than 50ha.

NEWS 31 August 2025

Eight fully recommended winter barley varieties for 2026

Eight fully recommended winter barley varieties for 2026

There are eight fully recommended winter barley varieties on the Department’s recommended lists for the 2026 season.

NEWS 31 August 2025

Catch crop deadlines fast approaching

Catch crop deadlines fast approaching

The deadlines to plant and declare catch crops are just around the corner, so make sure you have everything in order.

NEWS 31 August 2025

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Advice for supporting gut health

Taking a preventative approach to scours and supplying calves with targeted health products during digestive disturbance are essential for sustained growth.

Advice for supporting gut health

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