The current dry spell is allowing tillage farmers get on with ground preparation work for the drilling of spring crops.
One consequence of the opportunity availed of last back-end to plant large acreages of winter cereals and oilseed rape is the contraction in available ground for spring planting in 2025.
So, it really will be a case of making strategic decisions on the part of growers that reflect the best possible income return available and the crop rotations being followed.
Spring beans
According to Teagasc, beans make good financial sense with a forward price of €240/t on offer.
In addition there is the guaranteed income from the protein payment, which is estimated to become in €500/ha for 2025.
Beans are more profitable than spring feed barley and also increase profitability across the rotation. Last year’s experience showed that sowing beans in April leads to a late harvest, so growers should target to have crops sown by mid-March.
In addition to a late harvest, the yield potential of beans is reduced when sown after this target date
However, seed bed conditions should not be compromised.
Growers should aim for a target plant population of 25-30 plants/m². Increasing target plant population to 40 plants/m² can be looked at for later sowing or on unproductive soils.
A thousand grain weight (TGW) of 550g will need a sowing rate of 206kg/ha (13.1st/ac). It is important to take note of the TGW on the bag as big seed requires high seed rates. It is essential that pre-emergence residual herbicides are used with beans.
The main pre-emergence herbicide options are: Nirvana 4.0-4.5L/ha; Nirvana 2.5 plus Defy 4.0L/ha; Stallion 3.0L/ha; and, Chanon/Emerger 2.5L/ha plus Defy 2.5L/ha.
Spring barley
Teagasc is confirming the excellent choice of spring barley varieties on the 2025 recommended list.
It is worth taking some time to study the varietal information that is available and select ions made that relate to the conditions that prevail on individual farms.
However, there are a good few varieties with the ‘full package’ (good straw and resistance to disease), which can save on growing costs.
Growers should aim to sow 350 seeds/m² to establish 300 seeds/m² in good conditions.
Again, it’s a case of consulting the bag for the TGW.
Pig slurry
Agronomists are confirming the value of pig slurry as fertiliser source for combinable crops.
It is a valuable source of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and trace elements. Moreover, it is widely available to tillage farmers.
Each 1,000 gallons is the equivalent of a 50kg bag of 19-7-20 at 4% dry matter (DM) and has a value of €33. It is important to use a hydrometer to assess DM before application to ensure correct application rate.
Pig slurry can significantly reduce the fertiliser costs for spring crops. However, it is essential to incorporate within three to six hours to maximise N recovery.
