To close out Tillage Day, we will have a discussion on the future of the tillage sector.
Tillage in Ireland can have a positive future. We have high yields and a low-carbon footprint.
The challenge is the rising input costs, access to land, the cost of land and, of course, grain prices and access to premium markets.
Having gone through the challenges facing the sector and the positives that can promote the sector throughout the day, the final panel should bring all of the topics and issues raised together and point out some areas that can be improved or built on.
On the panel will be CEO of Acorn Independent Merchants Barry Larkin; director of Teagasc Frank O’Mara; president of the Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) Fred Lynch; and agricultural inspector at the Department of Agriculture Joe McNamara.
Acorn Independent Merchants, when put together, are estimated to be the biggest buyers of grain in the country and, in turn, are among the some of the biggest input suppliers, who also maximise the use of Irish ration in their feed mills.
Fred Lynch represents the ISTA. Tillage area has declined in recent years, but production has held up, as varieties and genetics improve.
We will chat to Fred on plant breeding, gene-editing and how seed can improve our crop management.
We will chat to Frank O’Mara on where he sees tillage research and advisory going in the future and we will also see where livestock and tillage farmers can work together.
Joe McNamara works on the Food Vision for tillage report at the Department, ensuring that the 28 actions are being worked on. The Irish whiskey consultation closed recently, for example.
Joe will give an update on the Food Vision report and inform the audience what has been done so far and what projects are ongoing.
Tillage numbers declining
We must remember that 70% of farmers with tillage in this country have less than 30ha of tillage. A massive 676 farmers left tillage this year. More needs to be done to support the sector.
We hope that policy makers, politicians and Government officials will hear all of the voices from throughout the day and take home some key challenges and messages that farmers bring up through audience participation, polls and panel members.
Throughout the day, many of the panelists talking from industry are part-time farmers.
Within the tillage industry, we have people who are extremely passionate about the sector and who want to see it thrive.
Within the room on Tillage Day, we can help to improve the sector. Make sure you are there to take part.
Tillage Day is organised by the Irish Farmers Journal and supported by the Irish Seed Trade Association.
