Farmers gathered recently on CNC farmer Robert Madigan’s farm in Kilkenny for an engaging crop walk focused on winter cereal production, sustainable practices, and the latest farming technologies.
The event, which drew about 10 farmers, including CNC West member Noel Hickey, featured discussions led by Teagasc experts and project members on critical topics:
- Ciaran Collings, Teagasc Specialist Arable Advisor, discussed winter cereal establishment and aphid control strategies.
- Mark Trimble, Teagasc Arable Business and Technology Advisor, covered herbicide options for pre- and post-emergence and their costs for weed control.
- Cathal Redmond shared insights on the NUTRI-CHECK NET project, including farmer Robert Madigan’s participation. Tools such as leaf and grain analysis and nutrient budgeting were highlighted, along with future plans to measure and enhance nitrogen use efficiency through on-farm experiments.
The group explored several fields, including winter barley, oats, and wheat, with a highlight being the discovery of a volunteer bean thriving in a barley crop.
The NUTRI-CHECK NET project continues to provide farmers like Robert with practical tools and insights to optimize nutrient management, reduce environmental impacts, and improve farm sustainability.
Crop walks like this foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers and advisors, supporting sustainable farming practices across the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow Robert’s progress with the NutriCheck project and other CNC initiatives!
