Ireland - Early sowing opportunity for oilseed rape - Why grow winter rape in 2021?
Ireland
July 30, 2021
The most profitable and reliable crop rotation on Irish farms (as analysed by Teagasc 2016-2018) is one that includes a proportion of winter cereals. This is very valuable information for growers and their agronomists deciding what to drill in 2021/2022.
These profits are based on high winter cereal yields, with a good reliable break crop to set up your farm to drill winter cereals at the best time and get the most from your investment.
Winter oilseed rape is sometimes not drilled as its margin looks low compared to a good wheat or barley crop. This appears correct on the face of it, but how many 4.5 tonne/ac crops of wheat follow wheat or barley?
The true benefit of rape needs to be valued correctly and teased out as this table shows below, but we advise each grower to adjust for their own situation.
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