The Tillage Edge

Changes in the yellow rust population last year means that all winter wheat crops are at risk of infection in 2026.  
 
Dr. Stephen Kildea, a researcher with Teagasc, and Conor O’Callaghan, a Teagasc tillage advisor, join the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the threat that yellow rust poses to wheat crops this season.
 
Conor says that where yellow rust is allowed to establish, it becomes difficult to control for the remainder of the season, making early intervention the most effective strategy, while Dr. Kildea adds that all winter wheat varieties are now vulnerable, and that fungicide treatment will be required across all crops this year.
 
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With the recent improvement in weather and a favourable forecast ahead, planting of spring cereals has now begun. 
 
Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists with Teagasc, join the podcast to discuss priorities for planting over the coming week and whether increased input costs are likely to influence plans this spring.
 
Shay says that typical costs for spring cropping have risen by approximately €100/ha, an increase of close to 15%. Meanwhile, Ciaran advises that spring beans should ideally be planted before the end of March to minimise the risk of a delayed harvest.
 
Both emphasise the importance of patience and waiting for suitable conditions to ensure well-prepared seedbeds before planting.
 
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Rising tensions in the Middle East have once again caused volatility in fertiliser markets, pushing prices higher and creating uncertainty. With these costs increasing, there is renewed focus on ensuring fertiliser applications are closely matched to crop and soil requirements.
 
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Veronica Nyhan, Soils and Plant Nutrition Specialist with Teagasc, discusses current soil fertility trends and how farmers can get the best return from applied fertilisers.
 
Veronica outlines how higher fertiliser prices are encouraging growers to consider using organic manures as a potentially more affordable nutrient source.
 
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With the arrival of spring weather, Teagasc tillage specialists Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan join the podcast to discuss the priority agronomy tasks for the coming weeks.
Soils remain quite wet on many farms, and both Ciaran and Shay caution against rushing into fieldwork — whether that’s spreading fertiliser or planting spring crops. A little patience now, they advise, could lead to better results later.
The closing date for the Tillage Sustainability Support Payment is on Monday March 9th.  All farmers with tillage should apply. 
For more information:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/tillage-sustainability-support-payment/ 
 
 
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Sheila Alves, a researcher in Teagasc, Oak Park and Cork-based Teagasc tillage advisor, Michael McCarthy, join this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss what growers need to know about spring beans for the 2026 season.
 
“With margins remaining competitive compared to other spring crops, beans are expected to be widely grown again this year,” Michael McCarthy explains. 
 
The conversation focuses on key establishment decisions, including field selection, soil conditions, drilling timing, seed rates, and achieving optimal plant populations.  The guests also share practical advice on nutrition and weed control.
 
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com