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www.agritrading.ie/TillageIssue 1. 2013RRP 13.75Dairygold’s Agronomy BulletinSpringBeansThe rightchoice in2013?Also in this issue...Local Crop UpdatePage 3Crop WatchPage 5Spring CerealVariety NotesPage 21FertiliserCompoundPage 10

welcomeTo the new look Trust In Tillage, Dairygold’sagronomy bulletin. My name is Scott Lovell,Technical Manager with Dairygold Agribusinessand editor of Trust in Tillage.In this edition, we begin with a new feature broughtto you by local Dairygold advisors. In this issue, LiamLeahy (local Dairygold advisor based in Ballinacurra)reflects on the carry over effects from 2012 and givesus an update on crops in East Cork. In future editions,we will bring you features from other members of ourteam.This edition’s feature article, from the front cover,focuses on Spring Beans. We explore the economicsof the crop and give you an overview of the crop’sagronomy. In other articles we focus on cereals,explaining how to match your choice of cerealfertilizer compound to your crop needs and look atthe availability and characteristics of spring cerealvarieties. We also have our regular, crop watch sectionwhere we bring you updates on individual current cropperformance and advice on upcoming tasks.contentsOVERVIEW OF CURRENT STATUS 3CROP WATCH 5CEREAL FERTILISERCOMPOUND CHOICE 10FOCUS ON SPRING BEANS 15SPRING CEREALVARIETY NOTES 21OUR TEAM 24Remember your locally based, Dairygold i.A.S.I.S. Cropadvisor (see page 24) is available for more detailedsupport and advice to help you deliver the best returnfrom your crops.Look out for the 2013 second edition of Trust in Tillagein April. If you have any feedback on this edition orif there is any area you would like to cover in futureeditions, I would be delighted to hear from you (emailaddress slovell@dairygold.ie).Scott Lovell M.agr.sc. I.a.s.i.s.Technical Manager, Dairygold Agribusiness2

Overview ofOVERVIEWCurrentStatuslessons from 2012While the dreadful 2012 has now left us,there are problems left behind that won’tgo away overnight (or over the next few yearsin many cases). Even the dry, free draining soilsof East Cork are now feeling the pressures ofthe prolonged wet weather; with some soils in avery damaged and saturated state that may takeseveral years to repair.While there is not much that can be done atthis stage to such land; we have to consider thebest way of addressing the spring field work.Sub-soiling is an option, but only if the groundis (reasonably) dry and will fracture from thesub-soiler legs being pulled at depth below thelayer of compaction by significant tractor horsepower;otherwise you may only be compoundingthe problem and driving the compaction deeperinto the soil. Other soils may be repaired, to alarge degree, with deep ploughing provided thecompaction isn’t too deep for the plough.Other actions that will help alleviate thecompaction issues are ensuring that lime levelsare correct and kick-starting the regenerationprocess with the addition of some organic matter.In any case, most soils need time to soak beforeany field work is considered and only then canthe repairing process begin. We must also takestock of the lessons learnt over the last year by:• Reducing the number of passes of heavymachines over the landLiam Leahy is the Area Sales Manager and localI.A.S.I.S. qualified crop advisor for DairygoldAgribusiness based in Ballinacurra, East Cork.• Keeping heavy grain and root crop trailersconfined to headlands and farm roadways• Getting the soil fertility right to maximize croproot development and microbial & earth wormactivity• Considering introducing break crops such asoilseed rape and beans in the crop rotation, asthey will grow deep into the soil and help breakit open inducing better soil drainage.When we look after the soil, the soil will lookafter us.Crop UpdateWinter Oilseed Rape, which is approximately 50%of the 2011-2012 acres, is a very mixed bag inEast Cork this year. Early sown crops establishedwell, have been heavily grazed by pigeons andslugs over the winter but still have significantyield potential. Later sown crops are in a moreprecarious state, especially those planted withthe “No Till System” and many will need to bere-sown due to very low number and/or poorlydeveloped plants. This is a decision that needsto be taken now, and where required replantingwith Spring Oilseed Rape or another springcrop, ensuring to check any residual risk fromthe herbicide used in the winter crop. For cropsthat are being left in, some early Nitrogen shouldbe considered and every effort made to controlpigeons while the plant is regenerating itself. It isestimated that 20% of the crop may need to be3

eplanted. Lesson learnt: Plant early, no laterthan the 12th September. For crops plantedafter September 1st use only hybrid seed andtraditional seedbed preparation techniques.Winter Barley is now a major crop in East Cork,and the acreage has increased again this year.Early sown crops have come through the winterwith flying colours and are now approachingthe growth regulation stage. Later sown cropsare very poor in most cases with some requiringre-sowing as the plant count is simply toolow. These crops have suffered severe slugdamage and recently leatherjacket damagehas also become an issue. Lesson learnt: Plantbefore the 25th October making every effortto reduce soil compaction before sowing.Also apply P+K in the autumn especiallyin low fertility soil (make sure to complywith regulatory restrictions on P fertiliserapplication). Where seed has an issue withvigour it should be planted no later than the10th October, if at all.Winter Wheat acres are much reduced in EastCork this year. Most crops are in a reasonablestate, though some have a low plant count, butthey should be ok. There may be an issue withvigour in a few crops and a decision may wellhave to be taken in the next few weeks whetherthese crops will need to be replanted. Lessonlearnt: Winter Wheat is a crop that can toleratedifficult soil conditions and a certain level ofpest damage but only where the seed is ingood shape.Oats is uncommon in East Cork this year butwhat we have is in good shape.4

CROPTASKSWatchWinter WheatCrops are extremely variable after poor winter growth and a variety of pest damage (slugs,crows and leatherjackets). Ideally crops should have about 250 plants per m 2 at thisstage but most crops are well below this. In some cases crops are only borderline viable.An economically viable crop will have a minimum plant count of 70-80 plants per m 2. spreadevenly across the field.Upcoming tasks• Weed control-Where a winter herbicidehas not been applied it may now be bestto switch to spring cereal weed controloptions e.g. Presite Max/Cameo Maxetc. + mixer, once temperatures allow.If grass weeds are an issue, Alister is astrong option. Where a winter herbicidehas been applied, special treatments forcleavers e.g. Hurler/Reaper and wild oatse.g. Axial may still be required.• Plant Growth Regulation (PGR)-Besttiming is at GS 30-31. Options includeCeCeCe (add an adjuvant or switchto K2 in cold weather) and Moddus +CeCeCe. Tank mix with trace elementsas required.• Fungicides-A T0 at GS 30-31 (typicallyearly April) should be applied wherecrops have been sown early, Septoriaprone varieties are grown or where thereis significant Septoria visible in crops.Bravo is the product of choice in mostcases (avoid triazole use at this timing).Consider Phoenix on Lion, as it is goodon Rust and Lion as it is quite susceptibleto Yellow Rust. If Rust does appear,apply a strob/morph ASAP, Jenton wouldbe ideal.• Fertiliser-Crops should receive 60-75 Kg/ha N (50-60 units/acre) by mid-March.Thin crops (or where Take-All is a risk)should receive the upper end of this5

ecommendation in early March. It may be advisable to split this application wherecrops are very backward and soils are cold as the uptake of N by these crops willbe restricted and some of the N may be lost. Delay application on forward cropsuntil mid-March. In most cases, where P and K have not already been applied, acompound will be required. See pages 10-13 for advice on compound selection.Winter Wheat should receive its main N split, of about 115Kg/ha (90 units/acre)before GS 31.Winter BarleyWinter Barley has generallyestablished and overwinteredbetter than Winter Wheat,however tiller numbers aretypically behind target.Upcoming tasks• Weed control - Strategies are the same as Winter Wheat (see above) but options forgrass weed control where not already completed are limited. It may still be worthapplying IPU (and including some DFF) ASAP for this reason but suppression rather thancontrol is a more realistic goal. It may also be worth including an aphicide, if not appliedto date, given the high risk of BVDV in Winter Barley.• PGR - To promote maximum tiller numbers (barley yield, unlike wheat is almost totallydriven by plants per m 2 ) apply CeCeCe (add an adjuvant or switch to K2 in coldweather) to all crops at the start of growth. Tank mix with trace elements as required.In Winter Barley, a two stage PGR programme to prevent lodging is recommended.The first should be timed at GS 30-31 and options include CeCeCe (add an adjuvant orswitch to K2 in cold weather) and Moddus + CeCeCe. Tank mix with trace elements asrequired. Terpal should be used as the second timing at GS 32-37, use Cerone if thistiming is missed. In practise, these PGR sprays are likely to be combined with fungicideapplications.• Fungicides - Apply the first fungicide when the first symptoms of disease appear, orin the absence of disease at GS 30 (typically mid to late March). Use Proline basedproducts e.g. Zephyr or Proline+Corbel for Rhynco and Rhynco prone varieties such asCassisa and Saffron. Lumen is strong on Rust and is a good option for Leibniz. Optionsfor the crucial second fungicide timing at GS 32-37, include Siltra, Pexan and Bontima.• Fertiliser - All Winter Barley crops should receive 50 Kg/ha N (40 units/acre) nolater than early March. Thin crops should receive this application as soon as groundconditions allow. Increase this early allowance by 20Kg/ha (16 units/acre) for cropsat high risk from Take-All. As with Winter Wheat, it may be advisable to split thisapplication and in most cases a compound will be required (see above).6

Winter OatsWinter Oats in most cases have come through the winter better than the other cereals.Upcoming tasks• Weed control - Consider spring weed control products for crops that have not receivedany herbicide to date.• PGR - In Winter Oats, a two stage PGR programme to prevent lodging is recommended.Ideally apply the first at GS 30 and the second at GS 32. Options include CeCeCe,Moddus + CeCeCe and Ceraide. Take care with label restrictions e.g. only oneapplication of CeCeCe is allowed. Tank mix with trace elements as required. In practise,these PGR sprays are likely to be combined with fungicide applications.• Fungicides - Apply the first fungicide at GS 30 (typically late March). Talius is a goodoption unless significant Mildew/Crown Rust symptoms (add Corbel, or use a morebroad-spectrum product like Tocata). Options for the second fungicide timing at GS 32-33, include Tocata or Talius+Menara.• Fertiliser - Delay the first N application of about 55Kg/ha (45 units/acre) until mid-Marchunless crops are backward. A compound will be required in most cases (see above).Bring up to target N application by GS 31. Take care not to overdue N applicationparticularly on Barra and Binary.Winter Oilseed RapeCrops are extremely variable after poor winter growth and an onslaught of slugs andpigeons. Ideally crops should have about 40 plants per m 2 at this stage but most crops arewell below this. However, Oilseed Rape has a very good ability to recover with very lowplant stands (even down to 10 plants per m 2 ) provided:• Plants are spread evenly across the field• Plants have a developed root system. Dig a couple of plants up to determine the rootdevelopment. The tap root should be about six inches long, like the one in the photobelow.7

Upcoming tasks• Weed control - Broadleaf weed control options are very limited at this stage and thereis a poor return over the cost of applying products in most cases. Focus on grass weedcontrol if not already completed using the likes of Stratus Ultra.• Fungicides - To determine the type of fungicide required, calculate the Green AreaIndex (GAI) of your crop before spring growth begins. If the GAI is above 0.5 useCaramba/Riza for a PGR effect at the green bud stage. If the GAI is below 0.5 applyProline/Punch C for Light Leaf spot before stem extension. Include Nutriphite, boronand trace elements as required when applying the disease spray.Green Area Index (GAI) Calculation1. Cut and Collect all the green material (leaves and stem) in 1m 22. Weigh and multiply weight by 0.8 to give you the GAINote taking a photo and uploading to internet sites for GAI is a useful guide but is notas accurate as the above.• Fertiliser - N strategy should be dictated by the crop plant count and GAI. The targetis to build a GAI of 3.5 at green-yellow bud stage. For thin crops apply the first splitof N about 50Kg/ha (40 units/ac) as soon as ground conditions permit (if not alreadycompleted). All crops should then receive 140-150 Kg/ha (112-120 units/acre) in earlyto mid-March (the higher end if no N received before this). A final application of circa35 Kg/ha (28 units/acre) should be applied at seed fill (early April). OSR has a largedemand for sulphur (circa 30Kg/ha or 24 units/acre) and this should be applied earlyMarch making ASN a suitable choice for early N applications.Spring CerealsAim to sow spring cereals by target plants per m 2 rather than by traditional weight perhectare/acre. Therefore to determine sowing rates you need to know:• Target plants per m 2 -This varies depending on the crop and the time of sowing.Increase sowing rates for later sowings.• Germination % - Normally 90-95%, but assume 85% for native certified seed in 2013(assume 95% for imported seed).• Field losses - Assume 5% losses for sowing in good conditions but could be muchhigher if sown in poor conditions.• Thousand grain weight (TGW) - This can have a major effect on seeding rates andvaries from year to year, between varieties and between batches of the same variety.Make sure to check the TGW of the seed you are sowing before deciding on yoursowing rate.8

Tables 1-3 below give suggested seeding rates for spring cereals. Note there is a number ofassumptions (conditions, time of sowing, losses, TGWs etc.) built into these suggestions andgrowers should adjust their own sowing rates depending on individual situations.Table 1 Suggested sowing rates for Spring Wheat sown in good conditions in late FebruaryVariety TGW Sowing Rate Late Feb (Kg/ha) Sowing Rate Late Feb (St/ac)Granary 47.0 175 11.1Sparrow 46.3 172 11.0Trappe 43.6 162 10.3*Estimated TGW, there are large variations between seed batchesTable 2 Suggested sowing rates for Spring Oats sown in good conditions in late FebruaryVariety TGW Sowing Rate Late Feb(Kg/ha)Barra 37.5 163 10.4Binary 41.4 179 11.4Circle 42.0 182 11.6Husky 38.6 167 10.7*Estimated TGW, there are large variations between seed batchesSowing Rate Late Feb(St/ac)Table 3 Suggested sowing rates for Spring Barley sown in good conditions in MarchVariety TGW Sowing Rate March Sowing Rate March (St/ac)(Kg/ha)Cropton 48.6 181 11.5Frontier 48.2 179 11.4Mickle 46.9 174 11.1Propino 51.1 190 12.1Quench 46.4 172 11.0SY Taberna 48.4 180 11.5Overture 48.3 179 11.4Snakebite 49.8 185 11.89

CEREALCereal FertiliserCompound ChoiceThe traditional approach of three 50Kg bagsper acre of 18-6-12 as the intial fertiliserapplication for cereal crops is a poor choicein the majority of situations for today’s cerealgrowers. The Potassium (K) level supplied bythree bags of 18-6-12, is only 50% or less ofrequirements of most cereal crops. Potassium isvital for yield, grain quality and straw strength.The need for high yields coupled with highfertiliser prices and tight margins, dictate thatcare is required in choosing the best fertilisercompound to match the nutritional needs ofyour cereal crops.Insufficient Potassium (K) applications can contribute to lodgingBefore selecting your cereal fertiliser compound, first ensure the basics are right:• Have an up to date soil test for each area under cereals• Apply lime as required• Identify the crop nutrient requirements (see below)• Make use of organic fertiliser where available-take care that any organic fertiliser beingapplied is reasonably consistent and that it is applied evenly.10

Cereal Crop Nutrient Requirements and RecommendationsNitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) recommendations for the individual cereal crops areshown in the tables below.WINTER WHEATN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N* P** K***1 210 (168) 45 (36) 140 (112)2 180 (144) 35 (28) 125 (100)3 120 (96) 25 (20) 110 (88)4 80 (64) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 9 tons/ha (proof requiredbestyield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture)**See page 13 ***See page 13SPRING WHEATN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N* P** K***1 140 (112) 45 (36) 130 (104)2 110 (88) 35 (28) 115 (92)3 75 (60) 25 (20) 100 (80)4 40 (32) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 7.5 tons/ha (proof requiredbestyield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture) An extra 30Kg/ha (24 units/ac) may beapplied for milling wheat under contract.**See page 13 ***See page 13P and K status and time of sowing influence recommendations on the quantity and timing ofcompound applications for spring cereals. As there is greater risk of N loss from February sowings, nomore than 40Kg/ha (32 units/acre) N should be applied at sowing.WINTER BARLEYN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N P** K***1 160 (128) 45 (36) 115 (92)2 135 (108) 35 (28) 100 (80)3 100 (80) 25 (20) 85 (68)4 60 (48) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 8.5 tons/ha (proof requiredbestyield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture)**See page 13 ***See page 1311

SPRING BARLEYN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N P** K***1 135 (108) 45 (36) 115 (92)2 100 (80) 35 (28) 100 (80)3 75 (60) 25 (20) 85 (68)4 40 (32) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 6.5 tons/ha (proofrequired-best yield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture) An extra 20Kg/ha (16 units/ac) may be applied for malting barley under contract with agronomic advice.**See page 13 ***See page 13One of the recommendations to help meet malting barley protein requirements is not to applymore than one third of the total N allowance in the first split (at sowing/tramlines just visible) forearly sown crops (sown prior to mid-March). Combine drilling 30Kg/ha (24 units/acre) may alsobe useful in this regard depending on weather conditions.WINTER OATSN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N P** K***1 145 (116) 45 (36) 160 (128)2 120 (96) 35 (28) 145 (116)3 85 (68) 25 (20) 130 (104)4 45 (36) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 7.5 tons/ha(proof required-best yield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture)**See page 13 ***See page 13SPRING OATSN P and K requirements Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N P** K***1 110 (88) 45 (36) 140 (112)2 90 (72) 35 (28) 125 (100)3 60 (48) 25 (20) 110 (88)4 30 (24) 0 0*An extra 20 Kg/ha (16 units/ac) of N is allowed for every ton yield above 6.5 tons/ha(proof required-best yield in any of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture)**See page 13 ***See page 1312

Phosphorus• Remember an extra 3.8 Kg/ha (3 units/ac) ofP is allowed (under the nitrates directive) atindices 1-3 for every ton yield above 6.5 tons/ha for all crops (proof required-best yield inany of 3 previous harvests at 20% moisture)• At soil P index 1 and 2 it is recommended thatP is incorporated at or before sowing (unlikelyto be possible under the nitrates directive forwinter cereals).• Avail, is a new P fertiliser enhancer thatincreases the availability of P in soils (75-95% of P is normally locked-up in soils andunavailable to the crop). While it has benefitsin many situations it is particularly useful atsoil P indices 1 and 2.Potassium• Add/subtract 10 Kg/ha (8 units/ac) for wheat and barley and 15 Kg/ha (12 units/ac)for oats per ton yield above/below the reference yields belowWinter Wheat 11 ton/haWinter Oats 9 ton/haSpring Barley 7.5 ton/haWinter Barley 8.5 tonhaSpring Wheat 8.5 tonhaSpring Oats 7.5 ton/ha• The tables above assume straw is removed. If straw not removed reducerecommendations by:- 70 (56), 60 (48) + 60 (48) Kg/ha (units/ac) at indices 1, 2 + 3 respectivelyfor winter wheat- 60 Kg/ha (48 units/ac) at indices 1-3 for spring wheat- 45 Kg/ha (36 units/ac) at indices 1-3 for winter barley- 50 Kg/ha (40 units/ac) at indices 1-3 for spring barley- 85 Kg/ha (68 units/ac) at indices 1-3 for winter oats- 75 Kg/ha (68 units/ac) at indices 1-3 for spring oatsSulphurCereals normally benefit from the application of15Kg/ha (12 units/ac) Sulphur (S). Responses aremore likely on sandy, free-draining soils and landin continuous tillage.Trace ElementsMagnesium (Mg) and trace elements should beapplied based on soil test results, herbage testresults, historic deficiencies or where symptomsappear in the field.Soil tests can establish the status of Zinc (Zn)and Copper (Cu) in your fields. However, soil testresults for Manganese (Mn), the most commontrace element deficiency, are unreliable and it isbetter to rely on field history or plant tissue testsamples.Trace element deficiencies are usually correctedby way of foliar spray applications whensymptoms are seen in the field. However, by thetime symptoms are seen in the field, yield mayalready have been lost.Wolf Trax DPP (dry dispersable powder)micronutrients are a very effective way to achieveeven application of micronutrients across a field.Individual fertiliser granules are coated with WolfTrax DPP and are carried into the soil with thedissolving fertiliser granule.Dairygold Cereal Fertiliser Range 2013Dairygold are able to offer a wide range offertiliser compounds as made available byour wholesale fertiliser suppliers. However, inaddition to this, we have specifically formulateda number of compounds to match cereal cropneeds in our catchment area:• Greengrow Grain 12-6-20+4%S• 12-6-18+3%S plus AVAIL plus Wolf Trax Mn plusWolf Trax Zn• 12-6-18+3%S plus Wolf Trax Mn• 12-5-18+3%S plus AVAILThese compounds applied at 370-500Kg/ha (3-4 cwt per acre) more closely match therequirements of cereal crops than traditionalcompounds like 18-6-12.13

FocusonSpring BeansBEANSBeans have proven a very successfulingredient, from both a physical appearanceand nutritional quality perspective, in theDairygold Quality Feeds coarse feed range. Towiden the range of coarse feed products thatinclude Beans, Dairygold need to secure anincreased supply of Beans and are thereforeoffering growers an opportunity to grow SpringBeans on contract at a minimum guaranteed priceof €230 per ton at 20% moisture delivered toone of four locations-Castletownroche, Killumney,Mogeely or New Inn.This minimum price offers a win-win opportunityfor growers. If the general market price forgreen Beans at harvest is greater than €230, thecontract price will be topped up accordingly. If thegeneral market price at harvest is below €230the grower will get the minimum guaranteedprice of €230. The Contract Price is conditionalupon the product satisfying Dairygold’s minimumquality standards clearly set out in the contracts.Payment will be made during the normal harvestpayment runs in 2013.Reasons for Growing Spring BeansSpring Beans have the following advantages:• Profitable to grow with margins based oncurrent prices comparing favourably toSpring Barley (see table on next page).• An excellent break crop in a cereal rotationresulting in increased yields for followingcereal crops..• Relatively simple to grow with no ‘new’machinery requirements.• An opportunity to control difficult grassweeds in continuous cereal ground.• An opportunity to diversify your businessand spread the workload at busy times15

Costs and Returns for Spring Beans versusSpring Barley and Spring OSR€ PER ACRE EX VATCROP Spring Beans Spring Barley Spring OilseedRapeMaterials 202 214 165Seed 74 39 32Fertiliser 67 122 117SpraysHerbicides 28 18 12Fungicides 29 30 0Insecticides 3 4 3Hire Machinery 159 160 187Plough, Till and 69 69 69SowRoll 7 0 7Spray 23 23 23Fertiliser Spreading 8 15 15Dessication+ 53 53 73HarvestingMiscellaneous: 21 24 14Interest @ 6% 6 6 4Transport @ €6/T 15 18 10TOTAL VARIABLE 382 397 366COSTSYield 1 2.0 2.2 1Yield 2 2.3 2.6 1.2Yield 3 2.6 3.0 1.4Net price €/ton 230 170 400Straw 0 36 0GROSS MARGIN 1 78 13 34GROSS MARGIN 2 147 81 114GROSS MARGIN 3 216 149 194Based on Teagasc Crops Costs and Returns 2013 bookletNOTE SPRING BEANS ARE CURRENTLY ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR A SUPPLEMENTARY PREMIUMUNDER THE PROTEIN AID SCHEME OF UP TO €55.57 PER HECTARE.16

Growing Guidelines for Spring BeansRotation: Allow 4 years between Bean (or Pea) crops; and 3 years between Beans and OSR.Varietie: Fuego is the only suitable variety available to Dairygold this year. UK PRGOrecommended list rates it as follows. How relevant these ratings are is debatable as areconditions very different to Ireland (much drier, no rating on Chocolate Spot) and yieldsare lower (5 year mean control yield 4.26 tons/ha).FuegoYield 104Earliness of ripening 7Shortness of straw 6Standing ability at harvest 8Resistance to Downy mildew 5Time of Sowing:Ideally Mid-January to late-February (earlysown crops tend to be more successful).Crops can be sown in early to mid-March butthis runs the risk of reduced yield and laterharvesting.Seed Bed Preparation:Aim for a firm, fine seed bed similar to a grassre-seed. Avoid compaction. Drill Beans to aminimum of 7.5cm (3 inches) deep.Fuego is tried and tested in IrelandFertiliser: The target pH for Spring Beans is 6.5-7.0.Nitrogen (N) is not required as Beans fixN. Apply Phosphorus (P) and Potassium(K) requirements to the seedbed but avoidcombine drilling which can affect germination.17

N P and K requirements for Spring Beans Kg/ha (units/ac)Soil N, P, K Index N P K1 0 50 (40) 125 (100)2 0 40 (32) 60 (48)3 0 20 (16) 40 (32)4 0 0 0Seeding rate: Sow to achieve an establishedplant stand rather than by seed weight. It isimportant to take account of thousand grainweight (TGW) as big variations can occurbetween varieties. The target plant populationis in the region of 25-35 plants/m 2 evenlyspaced across the field which depending onTGW could mean sowing rates of anywherebetween 150 and 275Kg/ha (9.7-17.5 st/ac).Weed Control: The main option is Nirvana at4.5L/ha pre-emergence. Lingo (good onCleavers and Groundsel but can causetransient scorch) can also be used, usually in amixture with reduced rate Nirvana e.g. 1.75L/haLingo + 3.0L/ha Nirvana.Weed control susceptibility in BeansNirvanaLingoBlack bindweed S SCharlock S SChickweed S SCleavers (MR) SDead nettle, red S SFat hen S SFumitorySGroundsel (MR) SKnotgrass S SMayweedMSMeadow grass (S)Nightshade, black (MS) SOilseed rape (MS)Parsley, fools MR SPansy, field MRPoppySRedshank S SShepherds purse MR SSow thistle, smooth (S) SSpeedwell, common S SSpeedwell, ivyleavedSS Susceptible;R Resistant;M Moderate;() No label claimGrass weeds can be controlled effectively with an appropriate graminicide.18

PestsCrows and other birds can be troublesome in the emerging crop. Deep sowing and rollingafter sowing helps prevent bird damage. Use bird scarers and shooting if damage occurs.High numbers of Black Bean aphids can reduce yields. If more than 10% of plants affected,spray with a systemic insecticide.Adult Bean Weevils feed on young leaves in spring leaving U-shaped notches on leaf edge.Larva feeding on root nodules can significantly reduce yield. Control adults before egg layingwith a contact insecticide.FungicidesChocolate Spot: This is the most widespread and damaging disease of beans. It is favoured bywet, humid weather and thick crops. Spray at the first signs of infection (usually at flowering) andrepeat 14 days later. Best option is 0.5 Kg/ha Signum but note all options for Chocolate Spot areprotectant only and therefore must be applied early. Signum also offers control of Ascochyta andBean Rust.Chocolate Spot is the biggest disease threat to Beans and available fungicides are protectant onlyDowney Mildew: Attacks the youngest leaves of the plant and can cause significant yieldloss particularly in wet seasons. Treat (off label recommendation only) with 2 Kg/ha Dithane945 (protective properties only) at start of flowering or 2 Kg/ha Ridomil Gold MZ (curative andprotective properties) if significant infection has already occurred.HarvestingSeptember to early October depending on sowing date and weather.Further InformationIf you are interested in growing Beans on contract for Dairygold or if you haveany queries in relation the husbandry of growing the crop, please contact yourlocal Dairygold IASIS qualified crop walker (see page 24) or our grain department022/47275 ASAP.19

NOTESSpring CerealVariety NotesSPRING WHEATSpring wheat seed is extremely limited and it will bedifficult to source native seed unless you have prebooked.There is limited availability of imported seed,but the varieties available are likely to be untried in thiscountry. Caution is urged to consider the alternativesbefore purchasing this relatively expensive, somewhatunknown imported seed.2013GranaryStatus: Rec 2009Availability: ScarceYield: 98Straw: StrongSeptoria: 6Mildew: 5Yellow Rust: 7Sprouting: 6Milling/Baking Quality: ModerateTrappeStatus: Rec 2007Availability: ScarceYield: 99Straw: Tall but StrongSeptoria: 6Mildew: 5Yellow Rust: 4Sprouting: 6Milling/Baking Quality: GoodSparrowStatus: Rec 2010Availability: LimitedYield: 101Straw: StrongSeptoria: 6Mildew: 6Yellow Rust: 7Sprouting: 6Milling/Baking Quality: Good21

SPRING BARLEYThere is good availability of spring barley seed this year but 30% or more of it is likely to beimported. Make sure to order the varieties you require in good time to avoid disappointment.CroptonStatus: Rec 2010Availability: GoodYield: 101Straw: ModerateRhynco: 5Net Blotch: 6Mildew: 7Brown Rust: 6Malting: NoFrontierStatus: Rec 2005Availability: LimitedYield: 99Straw: Short but weakRhynco: 5Net Blotch: 7Mildew: 5Brown Rust: 6Malting: NoQuenchStatus: Rec 2007Availability: GoodYield: 101Straw: ModerateRhynco: 7Net Blotch: 7Mildew: 7Brown Rust: 4Malting: NoPropinoStatus: Rec 2011Availability: GoodYield: 101Straw: WeakRhynco: 6Net Blotch: 6Mildew: 6Brown Rust: 5Malting: YesSY TabernaStatus: Rec 2012Availability: LimitedYield: 102Straw: ModerateRhynco: 7Net Blotch: 7Mildew: 7Brown Rust: 6Malting: YesMickleStatus: Provisional 2013Availability: ScarceYield: 104Straw: ModerateRhynco: 7Net Blotch: 6Mildew: 5Brown Rust: 5Malting: NoOvertureStatus: N/AAvailability: LimitedYield: 100Straw: WeakRhynco: 6Net Blotch: 7Mildew: 7Brown Rust: 6Malting: YesSnakebiteStatus: N/AAvailability: LimitedYield: 98Straw: StrongRhynco: 5Net Blotch: 7Mildew: 5Brown Rust: 7Malting: No22

OATSOat seed is limited, so book fast if you intend to sow this spring.BarraStatus: Rec 1985Availability: ScarceYield: 94Straw: WeakMildew: 3Crown Rust: 4BinaryStatus: Rec 2011Availability: LimitedYield: 107Straw: WeakMildew: 7Crown Rust: 5CircleStatus: Rec 2011Availability: LimitedYield: 101Straw: ModerateMildew: 4Crown Rust: 4HuskyStatus: Rec 2009Availability: ScarceYield: 106Straw: ModerateMildew: 6Crown Rust: 423

Our team is available tohelp and advise you -just give us a callNIALL GRIFFEY086 2461642new innKIERAN CREED086 1728335MATT LAWLEE086 2461631MICHAEL ENGLISH086 2554237mitchelstownFRANK HAYES086 2461643duhallowmallowMOGEELYmuskerrycorkcarrigalineKEVIN LOOBY086 2441369LIAM LEAHY086 2441370DIARMUIDO’RIORDAN086 2461821DENIS McCARTHY086 2461647SCOTT LOVELLTechnical Manger086 2500137All feedback welcome slovell@dairygold.ie