Latest news with #Co.Down
Agriland
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
NI cereal crops have ‘tremendous yield potential' right now
Cereal crops growing in Northern Ireland have never looked better, according to Co. Down agronomist, Richard Owens. He told Agriland: 'There is tremendous yield potential out there at the moment. 'The weather conditions have been very conducive to crop growth. Disease pressure is low and crops are going their growth stages in a very coordinated manner. 'The one thing missing right now is the odd shower of rain to get top dressings of fertiliser down to the roots of the various cereal crops.' While most of the diseases that impact on cereal crops are wet-weather-related, there are a number of exceptions. 'Ramularia in winter barley is one of them,' Owens said. 'The growth of the disease is facilitated by dry, bring conditions. It can become very apparent on the flag leaf of barley crops. 'Winter barley crops are now at the ear emergence stage. So, now is the time for growers to address the ramularia challenge.' Cereal crops disease threats According to Owens, yellow rust, has been an issue in winter wheat crops over recent weeks. The agronomist explained: 'Varieties such as Graham are very predisposed to the disease. 'The threat of septoria in wheat is quite low at the present time. Again, this is a reflection of the continuing dry conditions. 'But the weather can change very quickly in this part of the world. So, it's important for growers to maintain their fungicide spraying programmes. T2 spray applications are very important in this regard.' The agronomist went on to point out that spraying crops to prevent disease can deliver other benefits. These include enhanced growth rates and a greater resistance to lodging. The agronomist also cited the benefits of adding trace elements, specifically magnesium and manganese, to all cereal crops at the present time. 'Manganese and magnesium are very important for spring barley crops. But magnesium will also boost the yield potential of winter wheat crops at the present time. 'The mineral acts to boost chlorophyll production. This is key to the rates of photosynthesis achieved by all plants. 'Epsom Salts are a very effective source of crop available magnesium,' Owens added The Co. Down agronomist also warned that while prospects are looking good at the moment, tillage farmers still need to be prepared for changes to the current good growing conditions. 'All cereal crops are growing well at the present time. But there is still a long way to go between now and harvest. And growers must be prepared to act accordingly. 'The weather will remain a key factor in determining final crop yields,' he said.
Agriland
08-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Farm building costs have doubled over past five years
A significant increase in farm building costs has been the greatest challenge confronting Co Down farmer, Philp Truesdale. He explained: 'All of this kicked off five years ago when we made the decision to convert to milk' 'At the outset, concrete cost £60 per cubic metre: now the price has risen to £110. This has had a real impact of the cash flow within the business. 'We have had to invest significantly in the infrastructure of the farm: new cubicle sheds and other buildings. 'And this process will continue. But it all comes at a very significant cost.' Farming costs Philip characterises the last five years as a period of mixed fortunes. 'We have had two bad years, two middling years, and one good year,' he said. 'The hike in fertiliser prices that kicked in around the time that we pushed ahead with the conversion has also impacted heavily on our cash flow.' Philip recently hosted a visit for members of the Uklster Grassland Society. He told Agriland that the continuing threat of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is also an issue when it comes to looking at further increases in cow numbers on the farm. Philip said: 'We have the capacity on the farm to cope with an increase in animal numbers. 'But it's the extra stress that would be created for everyone working in the business if we did come down with bTB. And I don't want that. 'We have looked at investing in labour-saving devices whenever and wherever possible. Heat detection is a case in point.' Enjoying their visit to the Co. Down dairy farm of Philip Truesdale: Chloe Kyle, United Feeds and Michael Drayne, Draynes Farms, Lisburn The use of sexed semen has been a game-changer on the Truesdale farm. A total of 35 heifers calved down to sexed straws at the outset. 'And the technology works. We only use sexed semen on the cows now with an Angus bull sweeping up,' Philip explained. 'Heat detection collars are used on the cows as a matter of routine.' Philip said the adaption of this technology has been a major labour-saving development. 'I no longer need to run around at night, checking to see cows in heat. 'Everything is now done off the phone. If the app tells me to inseminate, it's done, whether or not the animal has been in seen in heat.' Philip added that taking this approach has knocked weeks off the herd's calving interval. 'Throughout the breeding season, I check my phone first thing. It could be telling me that five cows are in heat. 'I might have seen three of them standing, but the others: no. 'But the main point is this: the technology works on a consistent basis,' the Co. Down farmer stated.
