On 25 June, Teagasc’s Oak Park research centre, Ireland’s national hub for tillage research, welcomed nearly 4,000 visitors for its highly anticipated biannual Open Day. With a strong focus on “Crops and Technology”, the event brought together farmers, advisors, researchers, students, and the general public for a full day of demonstrations and knowledge exchange.
A major highlight of the day was the extensive field demonstration of advanced sprayer technologies. From mounted and trailed to self-propelled systems, attendees observed the latest innovations in precision application, including section control, variable rate application, and individual nozzle control. These technologies are critical for improving accuracy, reducing inputs, and promoting more sustainable crop management.
🌱 The NUTRI-CHECK NET project was also well represented with a dedicated stand. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the project’s mission to improve nutrient use efficiency through practical field-based tools and collaborative learning. Particular interest was shown in grain analysis and nutrient budgeting tools being evaluated through our Crop Nutrition Clubs (CNCs). The stand also featured a list of best practices recently gathered at the project’s national event in Denmark, further supporting cross-country learning and inspiration.
Events like the Oak Park Open Day are a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting science, practice, and innovation to shape the future of agriculture 🚜💡
