Tillage Newsletter - December 2024

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In this month's edition:

• Crop management
  Above normal temperatures in most areas during November resulted in cereal crops continuing to grow quite rapidly. They are dense and more forward than normal for this time of year. We have seen this before and when crops are this advanced in mild conditions, diseases start to appear.
• Nutrient management planning 2025
  The fertiliser register has been in operation for a year now and it is clear from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website that there is very little room for error when purchasing fertilisers.
• Machinery costs
  Teagasc was at the recent machinery show and a common comment from many farmers was about the cost of machinery. Tractors now reportedly cost €1,000 per horsepower, and many are struggling to afford to replace kit when needed.
• Health & Safety - Staying safe over Christmas
  The Christmas holidays will see children spending more time out and about. If children are out on the farm, they must always be supervised. This time of year can be a great opportunity to talk to them about the dangers of a farm. The risk of fire also increases during Christmas. Give preventing fires in your home and on your farm special attention during this period. It’s important that safety is kept to the fore in everyone’s minds over the festive period.