Harvest 2019 stepped up a gear in many areas over the weekend as long spells of sunshine helped to accelerate ripening.

While the bulk of the winter barley harvest has yet to commence, the earliest of crops are nearing the end of their harvest.

One such farmer nearing the end of his winter barley harvest is Kilkenny-based James O’Reilly.

Readers have been following James’s progress throughout the year on the Irish Farmers Journal From the Tramline series.

Winter barley harvest

James began harvesting winter hybrid barley in Knockbeg, Co Carlow, last week.

While the grain was ripe, the straw was still slightly green. However, he couldn’t afford to wait any longer and risk quality and delay harvest progress.

Watch the full video here

Initial specific weights came in at 62 KPH on lighter ground in Carlow.

These weights increased to as high as 66 KPH once he moved into heavier ground.

Grain moistures

Grain moistures at the time of visiting James came in at 19% to 22%, but have continued to decrease over the weekend.

James has a target average yield of 3.8t/ac and, so far, he is running ahead of this target.

Straw demand remains strong, but as reported on last week's From the Tramlines, James is virtually sold out of straw, with over 8,000 4x4x8 square bales committed.

Harvest operation

James runs two Claas Lexions of his own at harvest time, but also partners with Portarlingon grower Jimmy Smith who also runs a Lexion 670.

In winter barley, the three combines can average 150 acres per day.

He runs straw walker combines for a number of reasons, most notably condition and quality of straw swards they leave.

Like most tillage farms, straw represents an important element of income on James's farm, so it is imperative that quality remains high for him.

Both growers run chaser bins, which load on to waiting lorries on adjacent farm roads.

Got a harvest photo?

Why not enter the Irish Farmers Journal's #FJHarvest19 photo competition?

You can email your entries to harvest@farmersjournal.ie or use the hashtag #FJHarvest19 on Instagram or Twitter.

The winners will receive much sought-after Irish Farmers Journal merchandise.

Read more

From the Tramlines: harvest 2019 to commence this week

In pictures: harvest 2019 is a go in Co Cork