Oakpark 2023 Crops and Cover Crop Cultivations

The Irish Seed Trade had a stand at the Crops and Cover Crop Cultivations Open Day in Oakpark on 21st June. The event hosted by Teagasc in association with The Irish Farmers Journal saw a record crowd of over 3,000 go through the gates. All the current research was on show as attendees walked through the fields, including two projects currently being part funded by ISTA through our Research Bursary. One by Ciarán Collins on the N Requirment of crops after beans and another by Dr. Atikur Rahman on the incidence of Oats Mosaic Virus. 

Members welcomed farmer throughout the day for seed queries and the associations aim was to ensure awareness among farmers of the new Higher Voluntary standard bring implemented by members of The Irish Seed Trade for all cover crop seed and similar mixes. 

Several of our member companies were also represented at the Tillage Industry Ireland AGM, which took place in Oakpark earlier that morning. Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue was present to hear the concerns and ideas of all present regarding the overalll aim to significantly increase the Irish area of tillage. Fair access to the land rental market, a recognition of the sustainability of sourcing Irish grain and protein and encouraging conversion from less profitable enterprises to tillage were among the topics for discussion along with challenges such as the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulatory proposals and the threats from grass weeds.