Organic crop walk to be staged in Offaly

An organic crop walk, which offers farmers a chance to see how organic crops are performing this season, will take in Offaly in early June.

On Wednesday, June 3 (2pm) Amanda Galvin and Shane Dunne, will host a farm walk at Ballycallaghan, Durrow, Offaly.

Led by the Teagasc organic advisory team, the on-farm event will focus on assessing how crops are currently looking and progressing, and will share insight on achieving better outcomes through inter-cropping, including what makes a good inter-crop and innovative weed control solutions suited to organic systems.

Two organic crop walks will be taking place over two days, with a similar event scheduled for Carlow on June 4.

Other topics to be discussed at the farm walks will include the importance of adequate grain storage and handling infrastructure, the role of legumes in crop rotations, and the contribution of cover crops, exploring what each aim to achieve.

There will also be discussion on managing soil health, and on marketing and supply chains for organic produce.

Speaking ahead of the farm walks, Teagasc Organic tillage specialist Martin Bourke said: “These walks are a great opportunity to see how organic crops are developing in the field and to exchange ideas on practical management. Whether you’re already farming organically or considering the move, you’ll find useful insights and real examples of innovation at work.”

He added that both farm walks are a great opportunity to assess current crop performance and discuss practical crop husbandry challenges, and that all tillage farmers are encouraged to attend.