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At the recent Drummonds Tillage Conference on 24th January, topics discussed included an update on regulations, soil health, and practical cropping strategies to consider for the 2024 season. Members of the Drummonds Agronomy team shared technical insights on our varietal and agronomic trial work, information on Agriphos, our PK fertiliser containing additional secondary nutrients & trace elements, and N-Rich, the Drummonds premium liquid N fertiliser. |
John O Loughlin, Group Head of Sustainability at Grassland Agro discussed the New Fertiliser Legislations and Soil Sustainability. John highlighted the importance of soil testing, correcting soil pH and testing for soil organic matter. He spoke on the three pillars of soil health – Chemical, Physical and Biological, and how each play a vital role in maintaining soil health. He suggested that we treat Carbon as the next big nutrient. As Organic Matter consists of 58% Carbon, it is something to keep an eye on going forward.
Ben Abell, Head of Agronomy at Dyson Farming gave us an insight into the past, present and future of their system and how their “circular farming” approach has benefited the diversity and profitability of their business. The farm expands across 36,000ac in 4 counties. Dyson Farming produce a range of crops including cereals, potatoes, peas, maize, and rye. Their Anaerobic Digester plant produces electricity for 10,000 homes in addition to generating gas and heat, used to run their Grain Drying facility and Strawberry glasshouses. Ben noted a 40% reduction in their winter cropping area and expressed that managing patchy crops will be a challenging task.
David Leahy, Business Development Manager with BASF Ireland gave excellent advice on the importance of detail when making agronomic decisions in 2024. David focused on the value of assessing plant counts in each field on an individual basis. Agronomic decisions cannot be made without knowing the crop you’re dealing with. He emphasised that uniformity is key when determining the status of a crop, and how nutrient applications should mirror yield potential. David reminded growers that re-sowing should be a last resort, and that winter wheat can be sown until Mid-February.
The entire Drummonds Agronomy team would like to extend our gratitude to all who attended our conference and wish everyone the best for the 2024 growing season.
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