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2. agriculture and forestry
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www.agritrading.ie/Tillage
Issue 2. April 2013
RRP 13.75
Dairygold’s Agronomy Bulletin
Prevent Profit Losses
with Cereal
Fungicides
29%
44%
yield loss without 2-spray
fungicide programme
yield loss without 3-spray
fungicide programme
Also in this issue...
Regional Report
Page 3
Crop Watch
Page 5
Maize 2013
Page 18
PRCD Notes
Page 21
welcome
contents
Welcome to the second edition of Trust in Tillage in
2013, Dairygold’s Agronomy Bulletin. My name is Scott
Lovell, Technical Manager with Dairygold Agribusiness
and editor of Trust in Tillage.
REGIONAL REPORT
3
CROP WATCH 5
In this edition, we begin with a regional report from Nial
Griffey (local Dairygold advisor based in New Inn) who
gives us an update on crops in Tipperary and some
advice on achieving the protein requirement for malting
barley. We then have our regular, crop watch section
where we bring you updates on individual current crop
performance and advice on upcoming tasks.
PREVENT PROFIT LOSSES WITH
CEREAL FUNGICIDES
13
FORAGE MAIZE GROWING 2013
18
PESTICIDE REGISTRATION
AND CONTROL DIVISION NOTES
21
This edition’s feature article, from the front cover,
focuses on cereal fungicides. After a very difficult year
for growing crops in 2012; there is a temptation to cut
fungicide inputs but we cover in detail why this strategy
would be likely to result in lost profits.
GRAIN MARKET REPORT
23
OUR TEAM
24
Our focus then switches to forage maize, where we
look at the economics of growing the crop and up to
date husbandry recommendations for 2013.
This month we have also included notes from the
Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD)
of the Department of Agriculture who give advice on
the disposal of empty pesticide containers and old
chemicals plus update us on developments at EU level
in relation to pesticides.
A grain market report from R&H Hall and a reminder of
our locally based, Dairygold I.A.S.I.S. crop advisor team
wraps up this edition.
Be sure to contact us for more detailed support and
advice to help you deliver the best return from your
crops and look out for the 2013 third edition of Trust in
Tillage next month. If you have any feedback on this
edition or if there is any area you would like to cover in
future editions, I would be delighted to hear from you
(email address [email protected]).
Scott Lovell M.agr.sc. I.a.s.i.s.
Technical Manager, Dairygold Agribusiness
2
Report
Regional
Report
Nial Griffey B.Agr.Sc.
Nial is the local Area Sales Manager and our
I.A.S.I.S. qualified crop advisor for Dairygold
Agribusiness based in New Inn, Co. Tipperary.
Current view from the fields of
South Tipperary (in late MArch)
P
lanting date of spring crops has been seriously
delayed because of the bad weather. In south
Tipperary we have only have about 30% of our spring
barley and about 50% of our spring wheat sown to
date. My advice is to delay sowing until your seedbed
is suitable for sowing. All beans should now be in the
ground and should get a pre-emergence weed spray
before the crop emerges.
Key message from Nial: Wait to ensure
seedbed is suitable before sowing
Winter Wheat
Growth of winter crops is about two weeks behind
normal with disease levels low; low levels of Rhyncho
on barley and low levels of Septoria in wheat. It is
now too late to sow any variety of winter wheat. Weed
control, Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) applications
and nitrogen applications have commenced where
the weather has permitted. In barley, fungicide
applications have commenced on advanced crops.
Winter oats is disease free but it is well behind in
growth stages. Winter oilseed rape is very variable
with some total crop failures after pest attacks and
poor weather, and pigeons are still attacking new
growth.
Field of beans – pre emergence
Key message from Nial: Adverse weather
is impacting all tillage activity and crop
performance.
3
Regional Report
Winter barley field in late March
Achieving protein requirement for
malting
South Tipperary is well known for its high quality
malting barley and we in Dairygold have wellestablished malting contract volumes. We always
endeavour to give our growers the best advice
possible to grow quality malting barley to meet our
end user’s required specifications. Malting barley is
a premium product with a premium price and has to
be managed accordingly.
Over the past number of years, grain protein levels
in spring malting barley have been falling and
have fallen to such an extent that we now have
a minimum protein level requirement. This is in
contrast to a number of years ago when our problem
was high proteins.
Key message from Nial: Malting barley
delivers a premium price and must be
managed accordingly.
In my opinion a number of factors are contributing
to this fall in protein levels including insufficient
fertilizer nitrogen inputs, weather patterns, crop
breeding and even changes in crop rotations, i.e.
beet missing from rotation. I always suggest that
growers grow malting barley in their fresher fields;
that are not long after grass or rotational crops. To
achieve the required malting requirements it is also
advantageous to grow malting barley on suitable,
heavier soils rather than lighter soils.
Key message from Nial: Malting barley
growers are losing out on protein
performance due to a variety of factors
which can be corrected.
Growers should have a recent soil sample of the
fields and we can test these in our accredited
laboratory in Lombardstown. Soil corers are also
available on a deposit and free hire basis from
our Co-op stores. We can then give the farmer
recommendations for lime, P & K for optimum
growth. Approximately 30-60Kg N/ha should be
applied into the seed bed or combine drilled.
Applications of Nitrogen should be completed by
growth stage 32 (second node). Extra N is allowed
under the nitrates directive where applied to
increase proteins for a malting contract, and there
is a history of low proteins and written advice from
a qualified agronomist. Additional N can only be
applied where the average protein content of the
malting barley supplied by the holding is under 9.5%,
and one of the previous three years records support
this.
Total N requirements for a 7.5+/ha crop of spring
barley are 155Kg/ha (124 units/ac) split with 45 Kg/ha
(36 units/ac) in the seed bed and 75 Kg/ha (60 units/
ac) at early tilling and 35 Kg/ha (28 units/ac) at GS
31/32. I recommend that farmers should also apply
sulphur to malting barley as it usually seems to give
a benefit.
As every field and farm is different, I would strongly
recommend that each grower has a management
plan for his malting barley drawn up with his I.A.S.I.S.
qualified crop advisor from Dairygold at the start of
his growing season for a quality and profitable crop.
Key message from Nial: Avoid costly error. Plan
and follow a malting barley crop management
programme from your I.A.S.I.S. qualified crop
advisor from Dairygold.
TASKS
CROPWatch
Winter Wheat
A
fter a very cold early spring, many crops are only now approaching GS30, and are a full two weeks
behind, in terms of development, compared to last year. Some of these crops are quite thin after
sustained pest attack. On the plus side levels of Septoria levels are generally low.
Winter wheat field in late March
Upcoming tasks
Fertiliser
Winter Wheat should receive its main Nitrogen (N)
split if not already completed. Any remaining N
allowance should be applied before the flag leaf is
fully emerged (GS39).
Plant Growth Regulation (PGR)
Try to apply during good growing conditions at
GS 30-31. Options include CeCeCe and Moddus
+ CeCeCe. Tank mix with trace elements and
fungicides as required.
Fungicides
As crops are significantly later than last year and
Septoria levels are generally low, many crops will not
require a T0. Apply to early sown crops or Septoria
prone varieties. Bravo is the product of choice
in most cases (avoid triazole use at this timing).
Consider Phoenix on Lion, as it is good on Rust and
Lion as it is quite susceptible to Yellow Rust.
Key message-Avoid triazole use at T0 as
it will not improve yield and will decrease
Septoria susceptibility to triazoles.
Correct timing of the T1 fungicide is very important.
Aim to apply when the third last leaf of the wheat
plant is fully emerged. Bravo should be included in
all cases as an anti-resistance strategy (plus for its
own activity against Septoria).
5
Crop Watch
As a tank mix partner, Dairygold recommends:
-Clean crop: Keystone (excellent Septoria prevention)
-High level Septoria infection: Adexar AND/OR Gleam (excellent curativity)
-Eyespot focus: Cauldron (contains Boscalid-best active on Eyespot)
Include Corbel where required for mildew knockdown and consider Talius/Tocata for mildew
prevention with the variety Lion.
Key message Timing of the T1 spray is critical. Aim to apply when the third last leaf
of the wheat plant is fully emerged, regardless of the crop growth stage.
The T2 fungicide should be applied three weeks after the T1 when the flag leaf is fully
emerged (from GS39).
Dairygold recommends:
-Adexar AND/OR Librax (new product, excellent Septoria prevention/eradication) + Bravo
-Aviator (excellent Septoria prevention/eradication) +Bravo
-Treoris + Rubric (Treoris is a new product that has Bravo built-in which, in combination with a triazole
mixing partner e.g. Rubric, delivers excellent Septoria prevention/eradication that has Bravo built-in)
Include Corbel where required for mildew knockdown.
Winter Barley
Like winter wheat, winter barley crops
are well behind last year with many yet to
reach GS31 (first node). Tiller numbers are
disappointing in some crops but diseases
levels are almost universally low.
Upcoming tasks
• Fertiliser
Most Winter Barley crops have already received
their main N application; apply at the first available
opportunity if not already received.
• PGR
Key message Aim to apply three full
fungicide applications on winter
barley. Experience has shown that this
approach consistently delivers more
yield.
The first stage of a two stage PGR programme to
prevent lodging should be applied (if not already
completed) and options include CeCeCe and
Moddus + CeCeCe. Tank mix with trace elements
and fungicides as required. Terpal should be used
as the second timing at GS 32-37, or Cerone at a
later stage if this timing is missed.
Research has shown the best response to
fungicides is usually at T2, during stem extension
(GS 32-37).
• Fungicides
Dairygold recommends:
Dairygold recommends a full three-spray
programme in winter barley. Crops should have
already received their first fungicide; if not target
ASAP. Use Proline based products for Rhynco prone
varieties such as Cassisa and Saffron e.g. Zephyr or
Proline+Galileo. Lumen is strong on Rust and is a
good option for Leibniz.
-Siltra (product of choice on Rhyncho prevention/
eradication)
6
-Pexan (excellent on all diseases)
Bontima (good option for clean crops)
Include Corbel where required for
mildew knockdown.
Fields like the above have been very common this spring
Winter Oilseed Rape
Crops are extremely variable with some crop failures after poor winter/spring growth and an onslaught
of slugs and pigeons. However, fields are now recovering and will still produce good yields (even from
plant stands as low as 10 plants per m2) provided plants are spread evenly across the field and they
have a developed a strong root system.
Upcoming tasks
Dairygold recommends:
• Fertiliser
-Caramba if the GAI is above 1.0 use for a
PGR effect (best timing at the start of stem
extension).
Crops are now in a period of extremely rapid
growth to ‘catch-up’ on development. All crops
should now have received most of their N
allowance. A final application of circa 35 Kg/
ha (28 units/acre) should be applied when crops
reach seed filling stage (in practise as close to
flowering as possible before too much damage
would be caused from entering the crop).
• Fungicides
Fungicides for Light Leaf Spot and Phoma should
now be applied if not already completed. The
type of fungicide required, depends on the
Green Area Index (GAI) of your crop. See the
February edition of Trust in Tillage or http://
www.agritrading.ie/images/news/pdf/2013%20
Issue%201.pdf for details on how to calculate the
GAI.
-Proline/Punch C if the GAI is below 1.0 (no PGR
effect).
Include Nutriphite, boron and trace elements as
required when applying the disease spray.
Dairygold recommends Filan for Sclerotina but
timing is critical i.e. before the start of petal fall.
Given the large impact this disease can have on
yield and the high value of oilseed rape, fungicide
application is justified unless no brassicas, beans,
beet or potatoes have been grown in the field (or
immediately adjacent fields) in the last 5 years.
7
Crop Watch
Winter Oats
Winter Oats, like the other winter cereals are behind normal in development terms, most crops are
now in and around GS30. However, most winter oats has come through the winter and cold spring
relatively unscathed and disease levels are low.
Upcoming tasks
Fungicides
Fertiliser
Apply the first fungicide at the first available
opportunity if not already applied. Talius is a
good option in most cases.
Bring up to target N application by GS 31. Take
care not to overdue N application particularly on
Barra and Binary.
PGR
In Winter Oats, a two stage PGR programme to
prevent lodging is recommended. Ideally apply
the first at GS 30 (most crops should now receive
this if not already received) and the second at GS
32. Options include CeCeCe, Moddus + CeCeCe
and Ceraide. Take care with label restrictions
e.g. only one application of CeCeCe is allowed.
Tank mix with trace elements and fungicides as
required.
For the crucial second fungicide
Dairygold recommends:
-Tocata (Good on Crown Rust, Mildew
prevention/knockdown and product of choice
for Red Leather Leaf disease) +/- extra Corbel
(mildew knockdown)
-Talius (excellent mildew prevention) + Menara
(Crown Rust) +/- Corbel (mildew knockdown)
Spring Beans
Most crops have now emerged and are
growing well.
Upcoming tasks
Weed Control
Crops should have received their broadleaf
herbicide immediately post sowing. Use
a graminicide to control grass weeds,
volunteer cereals and wild oats e.g. Aramo,
Stratus Ultra, Fusilade Max or Falcon. Take
care to check individual product labels on
the correct application timings.
Spring bean plants emerging
Fungicides
Chocolate Spot is the focus for disease control in Beans as it is very common locally and can cause
large yield losses. A routine programme sees fungicide application at the start of flowering and again
2-3 weeks later. Lessons from 2012 teach us that typically the first spray should be earlier i.e. do
not wait for disease symptoms to appear. Dairygold recommends Signum (excellent prevention on
Chocolate Spot). Note most chlorothalonil products are not cleared for use on beans.
Key message-Apply the first bean fungicide early. Do not wait for disease symptoms
to appear as fungicides are preventative only.
8
id lour h
l
a
t
c Co ng
s
e
Boeld • str
i aw
Y
• Str
•
Cauldron
®
For a cast iron yield
•
Advanced formulation maximises the performance of
boscalid and epoxiconazole.
•
Superior eyespot activity combined with highly effective
septoria control.
•
Outstanding retention and spreading on the leaf plus
improved rainfastness.
® = Registered trademark of BASF.
Cauldron contains boscalid and epoxiconazole.
Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product
information before use. For further product information including warning phrases
and symbols refer to www.agriCentre.basf.ie
Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label.
Triple rinse containers and invert to dry at time of use.
The NEW cereal fungicide for Wheat,
Barley and Oats
Crop Watch
Spring Cereals
A significant portion of spring barley is yet to be
sown. Crops sown early are backward with some
affected by pest damage typically leatherjackets,
birds and slugs.
Upcoming tasks
Sowing
It is now too late to sow spring oats or spring
wheat. Increase seeding rates for spring barley to
circa 190Kg/ha (12st/ac) depending on variety and
thousand grain weight.
Fertiliser
Apply early N and total P&K as soon as possible
if not already completed. Apply the balance of N
by GS 30-31 (for milling wheat hold circa 20% of N
until GS 37-39).
Aphicides
Target an aphicide at GS 13-15 as this has been
shown to be the most effective timing for BYDV
prevention in trials. While early sown crops
(February to early March) may not need an
aphicide, late sown crops (April) may require two
applications. Note applying an aphicide at the first
fungicide timing (GS 30-31) is simply a waste of
money.
Weed Control
Chemical spring cereal weed control depends
on the weeds present, weed size and number,
weather conditions, sprayer setup and product
selection. Product selection will be limited by crop
safety, crop growth stage and label restrictions.
There is a large array of suitable products for use
in standard crops of spring wheat and barley.
Options are more limited for spring oats, triticale
and crops undersown with grass and/or clover.
For standard spring cereal crops correct selection
of a combination of a sulfonylurea (SU) e.g. Ally
Max, Cameo Max, Presite Max, Lorate etc. mixed
with an alternative chemistry product e.g. Hi
Load Mircam, Galaxy, Hurler/Reaper (fluroxyper),
Stellox, Duplosan (CMPP) etc. gives successful
broadleaf weed control and acts well as an antiresistance strategy.
Remember product restrictions when targeting
Wild Oats e.g. never mix Wild Oat killers with
hormones and allow 7-21 day intervals (shorter
interval where wild oat killer is used first) between
applications of one and the other. Axial can
be used with SUs but the higher rate 0.3L/ha is
required.
For more detailed information on weed control
in spring cereals see http://www.agritrading.ie/
Chemical-Weed-Control-in-Spring-Cereals
Trace elements
Trace elements are best applied in a ‘little and
often’ approach where required. They are also
best applied early as by the time you see visual
symptoms, yield is already likely to have been
hit. They can be mixed with aphicides and
herbicides etc. but remember to limit tank mixes
where conditions are harsh and crops are under
pressure.
Fungicides
Spring Wheat: The first fungicide should be
applied with the plant growth regulator at GS
30-31. In most years the focus in spring wheat
at this timing is mildew control/prevention.
Dairygold recommends
-Tocata (mildew prevention/knockdown plus
Septoria control).
Spring Barley: Dairygold recommends a
two-spray programme. Traditionally the T1
fungicide is applied at GS31 or later but early
disease can reduce yield. Therefore it is likely
that the first fungicide should be applied no
later than GS30 (earlier if disease symptoms
are visible before this).
Dairygold recommends
-The Proline based Zephyr or Proline+Galileo
where Rhynco is the focus; and Lumen for
Net Blotch or Rust situations. Include Corbel
where required for mildew knockdown.
Spring Oats: Follow winter oats fungicide
recommendations (lower rates).
Key message Apply the first spring
barley fungicide early, no later
than GS30. Barley yield is primarily
determined by the number of plants
per m2 and disease can reduce the
number of tillers significantly.
11
Spring Oilseed Rape
Spring Oilseed Rape is a relatively low cost crop to grow and is a good rotational crop. If it is to be
grown it should be sown as soon as possible into a well-prepared fine, firm seedbed. Sow to a plant
stand of 100+ seeds/m2, rather than by weight.
Fertiliser requirements will be dictated by previous crops and soil test results but a standard
recommendation (indices 1, 2 and 3 for N, P and K) would be to incorporate 3 x 50Kg bags per acre
(375Kg/ha) 18-6-12+S and top dress with 2 x 50Kg bags per acre (250Kg/ha) CAN+S.
Broadleaf weed control is generally unnecessary but Salsa (a new product) gives good control of
Brassica weeds such as Charlock which have stopped growers with fields with a history of Charlock
sowing oilseed rape in the past.
Use a graminicide to control grass weeds, volunteer cereals and wild oats e.g. Aramo, Stratus Ultra,
Fusilade Max or Falcon. Take care to check individual product labels on the correct application timings.
Beet
Complete sowing and apply a beet compound to supply all required P, K and B as soon as possible if
not already completed. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) recommendations for beet are
shown in the tables below.
N P and K requirements for Beet Kg/ha (units/ac)
Soil N, P, K IndexNP
K
1
195 (156)
70 (56)
320 (256)
2
155 (124)
55 (44)
240 (192)
3
120 (96)
40 (32)
160 (128)
4
80 (64)
20 (16)
80 (64)
Debut programmes should dominate the T1 weed spray as they are safer on the crop. Goltix
(metamitron) type products are likely to be scarce and expensive again this year so only use where
required (where Pansy, Poppy, Speedwells, Fat Hen or Orache are problematic).
Potatoes
Sowing is now nearly complete. The priority switches to weed control where not already completed.
12
Prevent Profit Losses with
Cereal Fungicides
The costs of growing cereals is increasing; with variable costs of €1,371 per hectare (€555 per
acre) and €982 per hectare (€397 per acre) for winter wheat and spring barley respectively;
according to the Teagasc 2013 costs & returns booklet. As highlighted in figures 1 and 2, fungicides
make up relatively small proportions of these figures i.e. 13.5% and 7.6% of the total variable costs
Wintercrops.
WheatAll
1371
185 any
13.5
Spring
Barley
983 75
for the respective
this before
land rental costs (which are stronger
than
ever this
year) are taken into account!
Winter Wheat 1371 185 13.5
Spring Barley 983 75
7.6
13.5%
7.6%
Fungicide Costs
as % of Total Costs
Fungicide
Costs €/ha
€185
fig.1
7.6
Fungicide Costs
as % of Total Costs
Fungicide
Costs €/ha
€75
fig.2
Winter Wheat
Spring barley
Total Variable
Costs €/ha
Total Variable
Costs €/ha
€1371
€983
Key Message: Fungicide costs average €1 in €10 of total cereal growing costs (excl. land)
However, fungicides are routinely targeted as the first port of call in reducing the costs in cereal
growing. Why? Some would argue that in low disease pressure years, fungicides do not pay. However,
research does not support this. The table below summaries the Teagasc yield responses to fungicide
programmes trials for winter wheat and spring barley at different levels of disease pressure over a
number of years.
Response to fungicides
Disease PressureWinter Wheat Yield ResponseSpring Barley Yield Response
to 3-Spray Programme (Tons)
to 2-Spray Programme (Tons)
Low 3.01.25
Average4.0
1.75
High5.0 2.5
13
Prevent Profit Losses with
Cereal Fungicides
Average Disease Pressure
29%
44%
yield loss without 3-spray
fungicide programme
yield loss without 2-spray
fungicide programme
Return on investment
after covering cost
€185
Cost of Fungicide
Programme €/ha
62%
€300
Value of Increased Yield €/ha
Even in a low disease pressure and a low grain price scenario, fungicides deliver a return
on investment. This is highlighted in figures 3 and 4 below which uses the above low yield
responses and an extremely low green grain price of €100 per ton.
fig.3
fig.4
Winter Wheat
Cost of Fungicide
Programme €/ha
Return on investment
after covering cost
€185
62%
€300
Value of Increased Yield €/ha
Spring barley
Cost of Fungicide
Programme €/ha
Return on investment
after covering cost
€75
Value of Increased Yield €/ha
67%
€125
Key message Even in a low disease pressure and a low grain price scenario, fungicides
deliver a return on investment by preventing costly losses.
Return on investment
after covering cost
€75
Cost
of Fungicide
Another
argument is that new chemistry
is too expensive and by applying older chemistry more profit
67%
Programme
€/ha
can be made. Again, this argument doesn’t stack up. This is highlighted in a trial conducted on winter
€125
wheat
Julianstown,
Co. Meath in 2012. There were three treatments in the trial:
Value
of in
Increased
Yield €/ha
-Untreated (no fungicides applied)
-Three full rates of generic/older chemistry at correct timings
-Three full rates of new chemistry at correct timings
The results are shown in the table on the next page.
14
t
Comparison of fungicide treatment programmes
in winter wheat in 2012
Treatment Cost €/ha
% SeptoriaYield
Untreated
0
803.6
Old Chemistry 90
55
4.8
New Chemistry
200
21
6.6
Yield COmparison
Untreated
Old Chemistry
New Chemistry
3.6
4.8
6.6
The new chemistry cost €110 per ton more than the old
chemistry but it delivered reduced levels of Septoria
and critically 1.8 tons per hectare more yield. At the
Dairygold green wheat price of €220 per ton in 2012,
this delivered €396 more yield income and most
importantly €286 more profit after deducting the extra
cost.
Key message While timing is critically important, newer chemistry delivers higher returns over
costs i.e. more profit in a like-for-iike situation.
The next generation fungicide
Bontima
Simply greener and cleaner barley
Designed specifically for barley to deliver consistently
higher yields and quality. All major diseases controlled
with one product.
Triple rinse containers, puncture and invert to dry at time of use.
To find out more about BONTIMA contact your Syngenta Area Manager or Local Advisor.
Syngenta Ireland Ltd. Block 6, Cleaboy Business Park, Old Kilmeden Road, Waterford.
Tel: 051 377203 Fax: 051 354748 Email: [email protected] Website: www.syngenta.ie
BONTIMA® is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. BONTIMA (PCS 03932) contains isopyrazam and cyprodinil. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label
and product information before use. PAY ATTENTION TO THE RISK INDICATIONS AND FOLLOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON THE LABEL. ©Syngenta AG April 2012. IRL. GQ 02752
“ You can always
count on a great
performance
from me.”
Your barley yield is valuable to you, so you want to get the
best to protect it. SiltraXpro has the exceptional chemistry of
prothioconazole and bixafen, a powerful combination that’s
the perfect product to form the cornerstone of your barley
disease programme.
• Contains Bayer’s unique prothioconazole chemistry with
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• Ultimate protection against Rhynchosporium and rusts,
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Find out more about the only protection you need for
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Pay attention to the risk indicators and follow the safety precautions on the label. Bayer Freephone: 1800 818 534. www.bayercropscience.ie. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2013
Triple rinse containers at time of use, puncture and invert to dry.
Poor weather drove poor yields and quality in 2012
2012 responses to fungicides
A lot of money was spent on fungicides in 2012, perhaps more than ever before, and in the main
very disappointing yields were recorded. A knee-jerk reaction would be to spend less money on
fungicides in 2013. However, the reality is that fungicides delivered very strong returns on investment
in 2012. The reason for the frustration is that control yields (field trials that received no fungicides) had
higher yields in 2011 than the best performing treatments in 2012. This is highlighted from the trial in
Julianstown in 2012. In this trial, the new chemistry treatment delivered 3 tons per hectare more yield
than the untreated control but the total yield was only 6.6 tons/ha (2.67 tons/ac)! Several trials without
any fungicide treatment yielded higher than this in 2011.
Key message: There was an excellent return on investment for fungicides in 2012, particularly
new chemistry; trial work shows yields would have been significantly worse in the absence of
good fungicide programmes
Poor weather drove poor yields and quality in 2012
The poor yields in 2012 were mainly due to poor weather and the wrong weather at the wrong time
e.g. very wet in June. We all hope that 2013 will be kinder year weather wise, despite a poor start
but all we can do is control the things within the farm gate. Make sure to base your 2013 fungicide
decisions based on research.
17
CEREAL
Forage Maize
Growing 2013
Last year (2012), like 2011, was not a favourable year for
growing maize and many crops, particularly crops sown
without plastic cover, were relatively poor in terms of
yield and quality. However, in 2013, maize may well offer
good quality feed at a low price compared to offer forage
options as seen in the table below.
Forage Crop costs* Fodder
Kale
Maize
Maize Under
BeetUncoveredPlastic
Growing costs (€/ac ex VAT)720
308 557
678
Green yield (tons/ac)
50 1522
24
DM utilised (tons/ac)
5.26 2.435.06
6.31
Cost (€/ton DM)
137
107
127110
*Based on Teagasc Crop Costs and Returns 2013 Booklet
KEY GOAL FOR
ANYONE SOWING
MAIZE IN 2013:
The target is to deliver good
yield and quality even if
the year again disappoints
in terms of weather. To
achieve this; site selection,
the use of plastic cover
where appropriate, variety
selection, crop nutrition and
weed control are key.
A suitable site is critical to giving an economic return to growing maize
(growing maize on marginal sites is high risk). Perhaps some sites
growing maize in 2012 were simply not suitable for the crop. Choose
a sheltered south facing field (warmest on farm) with light to medium
soil type and good drainage as maize will not tolerate compaction. Site
altitudes should not exceed 100m.
Plastic
If you choose to sow maize under plastic,
Dairygold recommends the tried and trusted
Samco system.
18
On almost every site plastic cover delivered an
economic return in 2012 despite adding significantly
to the cost of growing maize. In a favourable year
this may not be the case but plastic cover helps to
deliver consistent yield and quality and should be
considered in all but the best sites. Crops under
plastic are also likely to mature earlier meaning
earlier harvesting which can also be important.
Dairygold recommends Samco pinhole plastic cover
as it is tried and trusted to perform. Ultimately, plastic
is likely to consistently deliver an economic return as
sites become more marginal.
Crop Nutrition
Soil testing to determine requirements is strongly recommended. Maize is a
hungry crop; ensuring adequate nutrients are supplied, especially Phosphorus (P)
and Potassium (K), is essential. While slurry is very useful in supplying significant
proportions of the P & K requirements, some level of available (artificial) P & K may
also be required.
Maize nutrient requirement Kg/ha (units/acre)
Soil Fertility (P & K Index) High (4)
Moderate (3)
Deficient (2)
Poor (1)
NP K
75 (60)
110 (88)
140 (112)
180 (144)
Nil
40 (32)
50 (40)
70 (56)
120(97)
190 (152)
225 (180)
250 (200)
N & P rates as per Nitrates Directive.
feed me well
with P & K
Higher yielding crops may require higher levels of
nutrients than above, particularly P & K. Placing 125Kg/
ha (1 bag/ac) Maize Starter at sowing is essential
for uncovered maize. Avail, a new product which is
added to the fertiliser making the P more available, is
recommended particularly for the maize starter, given
the demand maize has for P.
Varieties
Use varieties from the Irish recommended list as they are proven independently under Irish conditions.
Consider energy values (ME) as well as yield as energy values dictate animal performance. Higher starch
levels give higher energy levels (although the digestibility of the rest of the plant is also important) and this
emphasizes the need to select varieties that will mature promptly. Match your choice of variety to your site
(choosing a slightly earlier maturing variety may mean marginally less yield but will deliver a more reliable
maturity, quality and suitable harvest date).
Key Take Home Message: Insist on sowing the best varieties the bulk of which should be on the
2013 Irish recommended list.
If growing a significant area of maize, it may be worthwhile to grow a small proportion of up and coming
varieties (varieties showing promise from recommended list trials). The varieties Ambition (uncovered)
and Grosso (under plastic) fall into this category. However the majority of your crop should consist of
recommended list varieties.
Weed Control
Controlling weeds early is very important for successful maize crops. Do not skimp on rates under plastic
and consider adding a good wetter e.g. Silwet which can significantly improve weed control (particularly in
less than ideal conditions) but proper seedbed preparation is vital (fine and firm). A follow-up overspray of
an appropriate post-emergence product may be necessary if weeds come through (between the rows).
Weed control in uncovered crops is best done early around the 2-4 leaf stage of the crop but may have to
be delayed if the crop is struggling. Including Nutriphite (liquid Phosphite that increases rooting) with the
post-emergence weed control spray (plus any required trace elements) is recommended to ensure the
crop keeps progressing at this critical stage.
Key Take Home Message: As with varieties, it won’t pay to skimp at weed control stage – which is
critical for success with maize. Assess weed status and act on recommendations above.
19
Dairygold Maize Variety Recommendations 2013
SiteSite DescriptionVarieties UncoveredVarieties Under Plastic
Excellent site
< 50m altitude
South facing
Kougar, Destiny
Not exposed
No need for plastic,
Award
Good site
50m to 75m altitude
Not too exposed
Kougar, Destiny
Good sunshine
Moderate site
75m to 100m altitude
Marginal site
Over 100m altitude or
Very exposed
Do not grow maize
North facing Award
Use Plastic
Surprise
Do not grow maize
Kougar
Award
Tried and tested variety. Combination of good yield
(100), excellent starch (110) and good overall plant
digestibility (10.8 ME) and matures relatively early.
Combination of good yield (103), excellent starch
(106) and the highest overall plant digestibility
on the recommended list (11.5 ME). Also matures
relatively early making it versatile and suitable for
most sites growing maize under plastic.
Destiny
Again, an attractive combination of yield (100),
excellent starch (111), good overall plant digestibility
(10.8 ME) and relatively early maturity.
Beet
Varieties
2013
Surprise
Earliest maturing variety on the under plastic
recommended list with excellent starch (107)
and good overall plant digestibility (11.5 ME).
Beet gives the highest yields of Dry Matter and Net
Energy of all forage crops. Only grazed grass can be
produced at a lower cost per UFL or UFV.
The Top Choice Varieties in each category are:
Sugar Beet - ROSALINDA
Energy Beet - DEBBY
Variety
Relative Root
DM Yield
expected*
Expected
root DM%
High Dry Matter Fodder Beet - CAGNOTTE
Medium Dry Matter Fodder Beet - MINOTAURE
Root
Colour
% Root
Cleanliness
Over
(1-10)
Ground
Seed
Dressing
Comments
SUGAR BEET & ENERGY BEET
ROSALINDA
108
23
White
20
3
FESTINA
106
23
White
20
3
TOUAREG
104
23
White
20
4
NEW
DEBBY
112
23
White
20
4
NEW
GERTY
108
23
White
20
4
18.5
White/Yellow
33
5
Standard or
Gaucho
Standard or
Gaucho
FORCE
FORCE or
Gaucho
Standard or
Gaucho
Sugar Beet variety being grown in
a number of EU countries
Sugar Beet
Dutch sugar beet variety used for
fodder. Low soil tare
Energy Beet - bred for Yield and is
delivering results
Energy Beet - very high DM yield
HIGH DRY MATTER FODDER BEET
NEW
NEW
FORCE or
Gaucho
FORCE or
Gaucho
FORCE or
Gaucho
NEW! Very high dry matter yield and
fresh yield. Sister variety of STARMON
Very high dry matter yield and fresh yield.
Noticably cleaner than magnum
4
FORCE
NEW! Very high dry matter yield and fresh
yield. Bred from Magnum & Sugar Beet
CAGNOTTE
108
STARMON
106
18.2
White/Yellow
33
5
MAGNUM
103
18.0
White
22
4
ENERMAX
109
18.6
White/Yellow
24
Long established and popular variety
MEDIUM DRY MATTER FODDER BEET
BOLEREO
100
16.5
Yellow
42
6
FORCE
MINOTAURE
105
15.8
Yellow
42
6
Standard or
Gaucho
Most popular medium DM type.
Consistent yield of clean roots
Very high root yield. Highest dry matter
yield & fresh yield of medium DM varieties
Goldcrop the leading distributor of Forage Crop Seeds in Ireland
20
Available from your local Dairygold store
NOTES
Pesticide Registration
and Control Division
Notes
T
he Pesticide Registration and Control Division
(PRCD) is the division of the department of
Agriculture (DAFM) responsible for crop protection,
product registration and enforcement of the rules
surrounding their use and storage.
Disposal of empty containers
Triple rinsing and disposal of empty containers in
a safe way is good practise, a legal requirement
and makes environmental and economic sense.
Following discussions in 2012, DAFM and the
Environmental protection Agency (EPA) have
devised a code of good practise on the disposal
of empty containers. This code is available on
the PRCD website http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.
ie/ and from your local Dairygold branch. Empty
containers that are triple rinsed, dried, punctured
and placed in Farm Plastic Recycling bags can be
recycled. It is critical that all growers triple rinse
the containers as this scheme is being monitored
by the DAFM and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and if containers with residues
of pesticide are being recycled, it is likely that
the scheme will be abandoned and all empty
containers classified as hazardous waste. If these
containers are designated “hazardous waste”
they will be extremely expensive to dispose of.
Key Message: Avoid drawing
expensive future costs on all
growers – always follow the code
of good practise on the disposal of
empty containers
Old chemicals
Pesticides are registered for a defined period of
time. Once a product loses registration, it may
be stored or used for a maximum of 18 months.
It is an offence to store or use pesticides that
have lost registration after this 18 month period
of grace. Storage of pesticides is examined as
part of Single Payment inspections and financial
penalties result if product is used or stored
beyond this 18 month period. Buy only what you
need and aim to use in the season of purchase.
Use “half cans” left over from last season before
using new material if possible.
Review all pesticides in store. If old product
is still registered for use, use it at the earliest
opportunity. If old product lost registration more
than 18 months ago it needs to be destroyed as
hazardous waste.
To clarify if products may be used, log onto
http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/; contact
your Dairygold representative or the Pesticide
Registration and Control Division of DAFM at
01-6157552.
21
PCRD Notes
Developments at EU level
Neonicotinoids
In response to concerns from some member states, the EU Commission have proposed that the use
of certain insecticides be restricted for two years due to concerns regarding bee health. The critical
insecticides for Irish growers are thiamethoxam, which is used as a seed dressing on oilseed rape
and clothianidin, which is available to Irish growers in Redigo Deter seed dressing. Ireland believes
the Commission’s proposal is not based on sound science and consequently has not supported the
proposal. The proposal has not yet been agreed, but a final conclusion is likely within a number of
weeks.
Farming without Triazoles?
On 14th June 2011, new EU legislation governing
how pesticides are registered came into force.
Under this new legislation, active substances
that classify in a certain way will no longer be
approved for use in the EU and this new system
is commonly referred to as, use of “cut-off
criteria”. One of these criteria for determining if
an active substance will be approved or not in
the EU is the presence of endocrine disrupting
properties. Endocrine disruptors interfere with the
normal functioning of hormones in the body and
exposure to such chemicals can result in serious
health effects. The EU is now deciding precisely
what measure will be used to determine if active
substances are actually endocrine disruptors.
Substances classified as endocrine disruptors will
not be permitted in the EU.
Ireland is consistent in its position that all decision
making must be underpinned by sound science
and be ecologically focused. Therefore we have
never supported this use of brash “cut-off criteria”,
and now that we have to agree on a system of
designation of chemical as endocrine disrupting
or not, we again favour a science based approach.
We acknowledge that endocrine disruption is an
extremely complex subject, but we must consider
how potent or strong an effect the chemical exerts
and consider the likely level of exposure, i.e., if a
chemical is an extremely weak endocrine disruptor if should be treated differently to a stronger more
potent chemical. Likewise if exposure during normal use pattern is not foreseen then this must also be
considered. The EU Commission must publish such a designation system categorising chemicals as
endocrine disruptors by the end of 2013. Depending on the decisions made in the next few weeks, key
active substances critical for arable farming in Ireland could be lost. The fate of many fungicides such
as triazoles and chlorothalonil as well as many herbicides and insecticides lies in the hands of the EU
Institutions and the Member States.
22
GRAIN
Market Report
Courtesy of R&H Hall Ltd.
(Information provided accurate
at time of going to press)
Corn (Maize) – Price Recovers late March
The price of corn had been on a downward trend for 4-6 weeks with many sellers and no Buyers.
French corn futures traded all the way down to €219 per tonne in late February and €209 in midMarch and from there, the market has turned and traded this week at €230 with Chicago also
currently trading at a 6 week high. The main drivers have been a big movement in the euro-dollar
exchange rate making the Ukraine less competitive and also the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) report reminding markets that corn stocks are at a 17 year low when they cut
estimated stocks to ratio usage (stocks as a percentage of usage) to 13%.
240
Weather is now having a big influence on the market
with weather too wet and cold for areas of the world that
usually sow corn at this time. This has delayed plantings in
these regions and creating more demand for old crop (last
year’s harvest). However many of these regions still have a
soil moisture deficit, after recent droughts, and this rain is
needed to replenished soil moisture. Concerns may arise
if planting gets delayed passed mid to late April in these
areas.
Corn (Maize) Price 2013
230
220
210
200
25
Feb
11
Mar
25
Apr
Wheat: France exporting 500,000
tonnes / week.
For most of the first quarter of 2013, wheat markets also
drifted lower with lack of demand. On the back of this, the
French wheat future prices drifted down to €230 per tonne; but have now rebounded on the back
of tight supply, increased demand and some slight weather concerns. French wheat remains very
competitive, but there is a huge export programme of about half a million tonnes each week. If this
pace continues for the rest of the season, the EU will run almost completely out of new stocks before
the 2013 harvest. A late spring and a potentially later harvest could add to the pressure resulting in
increased wheat prices before harvest.
Wheat: U.K. 2013 harvest estimates back 14% versus 2012
Winter wheat in the Black Sea region appears to have wintered well with limited winter kill so far, cold
temperatures in the US should have little effect on their crops. Northern Europe remains wet and cold;
with the UK crop estimates cut to 11.5 million tonnes, down from 13.4 million tonnes last year. This is
likely to result in the UK being a net importer of wheat next year.
Barley – Discounted to Corn (Maize)
Barley markets are fairly quiet but EU exports are still running 55% ahead of last year at 3.9 million
tonnes, versus 2.5 million tonnes in the same period last year. Corn has put the most pressure on
barley with barley now discounted to corn having traded at parity earlier in the season.
23
MATT LAWLEE
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