Environment constraints, land access and income to be discussed at Crops Forum
The Teagasc Crops Forum, taking place on Friday, September 8th, will discuss pressing challenges for the tillage industry, including environment constraints, land access and income.
The Crops Forum will address these areas and talk about the recent Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) 2023, agronomic advice for autumn 2023 and an in-depth discussion on measures to drive the tillage industry forward.
This year’s forum consists of three sessions. The first will focus on planning for the season ahead, with the topics of new varieties, agronomy for 2023 and the importance of integrated pest management up for discussion. Chaired by Dr Ewen Mullins, Teagasc Head of Crop Science Department, this session will feature speakers from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, IPM Works and the Teagasc Tillage Specialist team.
Climate change goals and building carbon stocks on tillage farms is the focus of session two. Chaired by Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer, Gary Lanigan and researcher in Teagasc Johnstown Castle will provide an overview of the new MACC 2023. John Mahon, Teagasc Signpost Tillage Advisor, and Darren Allen, Teagasc Signpost Programme participant who farms in Co. Cork, will discuss their experiences and learnings from measures being implemented on farm.
The third and final session aims to map out a path for the tillage industry for the next five years. Following on from a difficult year on tillage farms, where input costs, output values and weather events have hampered progress, this session will aim to shape the future of the tillage industry. The speakers include Matt Dempsey, Chair of the Food Vision Group, and representatives from industry stakeholders such as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), the Irish Grain Growers (IGG), IFAC, Teagasc and the FTMTA.
When and where?
The National Crops Forum 2023 takes place on Friday, September 8th at 2pm in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 DC98. This is a free event for everyone to attend. Farmer contributions to help drive the tillage industry forward are especially welcome and please note that part of the forum will be livestreamed, so attendees can attend the forum or tune in virtually.
For more details on registering for this event, click here.
Potato Blight Workshop
Along with the Crops Forum, Teagasc will also host a Potato Blight Workshop on Tuesday, September 5th at 2pm. This workshop, which takes place in Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12, will provide an opportunity to discuss and look through the current blight trials being undertaken, where different products are being used, and will include a discussion on the current strains of blight.