The Harvest Report published by Teagasc estimates that the production of cereals was 2.42 million tonnes in 2022. This represents an increase of 93,200 tonnes (4%) from harvest 2021. There were record yields in spring for barley, oilseed rape, and spring oats.
Weather conditions at harvest were excellent, and all crops were harvested at lower-than-average moisture content.
The good weather during harvest allowed straw to be saved without additional cost leading to above-average yield and quality. The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) was very successful, with a very high level of uptake in the scheme.
Above average yields and good harvest weather combined with strong grain and straw markets resulted in high financial output from cereals in 2022, but this was offset somewhat by increased costs, particularly fertilizer.
Teagasc Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer, Michael Hennessy, commented: “Harvest 2022 was one of the best harvests in recent memory with a combination of good yields and good harvest conditions all combined to make this a profitable season for tillage farmers.” But he cautioned that “2023 is going to be more challenging for tillage farmers. We have already seen an increase in seed costs, and signals are that fertilizer, plant protection products, and machinery costs will all increase in 2023.”
Autumn 2022 plantings
Estimates are that the winter cereal area will be reduced by over 30,000 hectares due to wet weather conditions this autumn.
The area of winter oilseed rape is estimated to have increased to 19,000 hectares due to a combination of an early finish to the harvest, planting opportunities in late August, and a strong market for oilseeds.
View the Harvest Report 2022 here https://teagasccropreport.ie/reports/harvest-report-2022
For more information:
Teagasc
Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12
Tel: +353 59 917 0200
Fax: +353 59 918 2097
info@teagasc.ie
www.teagasc.ie