Tillage Update 22nd July 2021

The 2021 winter barley harvest is in full swing around the country. Exceptionally warm weather has resulted in an earlier than anticipated start to the winter barley harvest. Crops in the south were first to be harvested last week but harvesting has now commenced in all areas. Ciaran Collins reports

While much of the crop remains to be harvested early indications suggest that average yields will exceed the five year average of 8.84t/ha.

Reports from Teagasc advisors, farmers and grain merchants suggest that there is a large range in the winter barley yield. (8.5 – 11t/ha). The better yields are generally coming from crops further north where some crops are yielding in excess of 10t/ha.

Specific weight is below average to date. The lower kph’s (low 60’s) are generally coming from the poorer yielding crops but crops that were not fully ripe when harvested may also be a factor.

Another benefit of the exceptionally warm weather is that moisture levels are very low with some grain coming off the combine at 14% and below which is a welcome bonus.

Straw quantity is good but needs a few days on the ground before it is fit to bale.

Above: Winter barley harvest in Cork. Image source Shane Casey.

Find out more information and advice from the Teagasc Crops team here. The Teagasc Crops Specialists issue an article on a topic of interest to tillage farmers every Thursday on Teagasc Daily