Ireland
September 13, 2016

Tim O'Donovan, Winner David Lalor, with Andy Doyle and Aidan Moore 

The quest to find Seedtech’s “Hybrid Barley Grower of the Year” came to a conclusion on Tuesday 13th September, at a prize-giving lunch in the Mount Wolseley Hotel, Carlow. The winning grower is farmer David Lalor from Grangecon, Co. Wicklow who was presented with his award by Andy Doyle, from the Irish Farmers Journal. David’s advisor Martin Burke, Teagasc Wicklow, was also presented with an award in recognition of the agronomic support he provided.

Seedtech’s Arable Consultant Aidan Moore, initiated the competition to highlight the superior return on investment a farmer can achieve from choosing to grow Hybrid Barley.  Speaking at the prize-giving Aidan stated “In low price scenarios, it’s the return back to the farmer from what they spend that’s important, not the actual spend.  Hybrid Barley gives back more than three times more money than the extra costs of the seeds”.

As well as the proven yield benefits from Hybrid Barley, Tim O’Donovan, Technical Director with Seedtech highlighted that there are agronomic benefits also.  “Apart from yield, we assessed this competition on grain quality, and crop husbandry.  Newer hybrids, such as Quadra, are a step ahead on grain quality and this is backed up by Dept. of Agriculture’s trial results.  In addition, the superior disease resistance of hybrids allows savings to be made which are all part of the hybrid story”.

On receiving his prize David said “I’m really pleased to receive this award from Seedtech in recognition of growing a good crop of Hybrid Barley. This was my first time growing Hybrid Barley, and given the difficult growing conditions I encountered, I’m really surprised with the yield and grain quality. I would like to thank my advisor Martin Bourke from Teagasc for the help he gave me deciding input strategy and the timing of key operations.

The regional finalists in the competition, who were also recognised at the event, were:

• Pat Shine from Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary, with his advisor, James Irish, Bretts Bros Ltd.
• David Collier from Kilbride, Co. Carlow, with his advisor, Michael Fawle, CR Wynne Ltd
• Thomas McGuinness of Duleek, Co. Meath with his advisor, Seamus Shevlin, Deeside Agri Ltd

Website: http://www.seedtech.ie/

Published: September 19, 2016