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After a slow start to the growing season, winter crops have really started to move over the past two weeks. We talked to four advisors and agronomists around the country to get an update on what’s happening with winter crops in the fields.
Teagasc - Mallow, Co Cork
Despite the ongoing poor weather, growth has picked up from the second half of April.
Winter barley is moving fast and is currently around GS33-39. Most crops have received a T1. Small levels of rhynco and net blotch are present. Winter wheat leaf emergence is very variable and T1s will be sprayed early next week. Septoria is evident, as is some yellow rust in Garrus crops. Winter oats are clean at GS32 with just very few cases of mildew. WOSR is variable, flowering is slow and uneven.
Most winter crop tasks are up to date, but trafficability is very low, with new tramlines being made in extreme cases. Spring planting is around 30% complete.
Conroy Crop Services, northeast region
Winter crops are looking reasonable in the northeast despite the weather. Winter barley is ranging from GS32-33, with rhynco present in a number of crops. Many crops have yet to receive a T1.
Winter wheat is currently around GS31-33 and most crops will have received a T0 where applicable. T1s will be sprayed from Friday onwards. Septoria is very active in the lower leaves. There’s also yellow rust present in some Garrus crops.
Winter oats are around GS31 and are looking spotless, with virtually no active mildew. WOSR is ranging from 10% to 70% in flower. Most growers are up to date with winter crop husbandry tasks. As little as 25% of spring barley is sown in the region.
Teagasc - Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
Winter crops are generally looking well around Enniscorthy, but are around seven to 10 days behind average.
Winter barley crops are very clean and healthy at around GS32-37, but cold weather delayed growth after fertiliser was applied. Winter wheat crops are around GS31-32. T1 sprays are currently being applied to earlier-sown crops. Septoria is evident in lower leaves.
Winter oats is much more variable, with the most advanced crops at GS32. WOSR has recovered well after pigeon damage and is now in flower. Most growers are up to date with fertiliser and spraying on winter crops. Planting of spring crops is around 60% to 70% complete.
Crop Team Ltd - Leinster region
Across the Leinster region, winter crops are generally looking well. However, crops which were planted in poorer autumn conditions and received nitrogen late are now suffering.
Winter barley crops are very variable, ranging from GS32-39. Some of the poorest crops are under pressure.
Winter wheat is around the third-last leaf stage and T1s will be applied in a week. Septoria and a small amount of mildew are present. Winter oats are generally clean at around GS31-32. WOSR is in early flowering and crops are mixed.
Growers are generally on top of winter crop operations, but there’s still a lot of sowing to do.
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