Winter barley yields were reported as mixed or disappointing for many farmers so far, though there are some good news stories out there as well.

The harvest properly kicked off over the weekend, and large numbers of combines were moving across the country by Tuesday. Parts of Tipperary and Kilkenny saw the start of the action last week, but most areas got going Monday and a large number by Tuesday. The northeast saw small amounts cut on Tuesday.

While crops looked very promising, yield reports are not matching up to this, with some crops below 3.5t/ac and even below 3t/ac – albeit at moisture contents of 14%-16% in some places, dipping to under 12%-13% according to some reports. Crops after breaks like beans are performing best and over 4t/ac, but we have had no reports of over 4.5t/ac. Average yields are probably at 3.5-3.6t/ac according to reports so far.

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Moisture contents were dropping rapidly from early in the week when levels were still at 18%-20% in places. Quality was mixed, but on average bushels looked to be landing at averages of 63-65, with a high of 67 and lows of 53 in some places. Virus and first nitrogen timings seem to have played a big role in yields, from speaking with agronomists this week. Oats will follow quickly, with a small amount already harvested.

As the heatwave continues, work will be difficult in the weather conditions. Machinery cleaning will be essential to reduce risk of fire and careful attention will be needed in fields.