Irish 2012 plantings set on early schedule

 

 

This year, Ireland has seen one of the earliest sowing seasons in recent years due to outstanding conditions in March, according to Irish Farmers Association National Grain Chairman Noel Delany.

 

Delaney estimates that 90% of the spring crops are planted and the remainder will be finished in the next week.

 

"Forward selling is becoming more and more of a feature of the tillage business, with up to 40% of crops locked into a fixed price. The system is working well for tillage farmers who can look ahead with a greater degree of certainty. It also allows them to arrange their credit on a much sounder footing,"he said.

 

The IFA Grain Chairman encouraged all farmers to follow the markets closely and base their decisions on the evolving situation.

 

Delany said the rising cost of inputs is a major concern for tillage farmers.

 

He said the planting of Spring barley is up by 25-30,000 hectares, which is an increase of 15% on last year.

 

Spring wheat is similar to last year, at circa 15,000 ha, while Winter barley is up 15% to 30,000 ha.

 

Winter wheat sowings have increased by around 10% to over 80,000 ha.

 

Winter oats at 8,000 ha is static.

 

Oilseed rape sowings are up 50% from 8,000 to 12,000 ha. The crop is two to three weeks ahead because of the mild winter.

 

There is no figure for Spring oats, but all the seed available is sold.