Tillage Newsletter - February 2025

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In this month's edition:

• Winter oilseed rape
  Oilseed rape crops seem to have been heavily grazed by pigeons this year, more so than in the last couple of years. This has resulted in some crops, which had relatively good canopies before Christmas, looking quite poor now.
• Beans
  The Protein Payment Scheme 2024 had its budget of €7 million topped up, which meant that growers received a premium of approximately €480/ha.
• Winter cereal crops
  Now is the time to assess your winter crops to see how they have emerged from a relatively mild winter. Many crops were well advanced coming towards the end of the year, especially those that were drilled early. 
• Upcoming events
  February is a busy month with many events around the country. Our series of spring seminars continues in various locations, while a number of crop walks will also take place, which will give advice on the different tasks that need to be completed on winter crops over the coming weeks.
• Health & Safety - Slurry and calving/ lambing safety
  With slurry, evacuate all animals and ventilate before you agitate. Select a breezy day and open all doors and outlets to provide a draught. Keep people away from the shed and agitation point for at least 40 minutes after starting. Keep the tank opening secure. Beware of gas in buildings that are linked by tanks or drainage channels.
  Keep safe during calving and lambing. Use calving/lambing gates and pens. Keep a physical barrier between you and a calving cow at all times.