On the 18th of March, Teagasc announced an eagerly anticipated event for the agricultural community: the Crops and Technology Open Day, scheduled for Wednesday, 25th June at the Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, Carlow. This open day promises to be a comprehensive showcase of the latest research and technological advancements in tillage and horticultural field crops, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
The event will feature over 50 crop research demonstrations, highlighting Teagasc’s ongoing collaborations with national and international partners. Attendees can expect to see a wide range of research focused on the sustainability of the tillage sector, with a particular focus on developing high-value markets and tailoring inputs to meet regulatory challenges.
One of the key areas of focus will be the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. With the loss of crop protection products, particularly for cereal crops, IPM has become increasingly important. Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of the Teagasc Crops Research Department, emphasised the need for enhanced surveying and characterisation of pests and diseases to support IPM actions. The open day will showcase substantial field and diagnostic work aimed at mitigating the impact of pests and pathogens on crop profitability.
Grassweed management will also be a significant topic, with presentations on essential steps for effective management in all tillage establishment systems. Additionally, the event will highlight the positive contribution of plant protein crops, demonstrating their functionality as important food ingredients. This aligns with the growing demand from food processors for sustainable and high-quality protein sources.
The open day will also provide updates on current carbon modelling research as part of the new Teagasc Climate Research Centre. This research is crucial for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of agricultural practices, and it will be an important component of the discussions at the event.
For horticultural enthusiasts, the event will feature insights from Dr. Michael Gaffney, Acting Head of the Horticulture Development Department. He will discuss the importance of efficient and quality crop establishment for profitable field vegetable production. With labour costs in the field vegetable sector having increased by 7.1% between January 2024 and January 2025, there is a growing emphasis on labour-saving automation. The open day will demonstrate some of the latest technological advancements available to Irish vegetable growers, showcasing how these innovations can improve efficiency and profitability.
A major machinery demonstration will also take place, with a particular focus on sprayers and the technology available for more accurate applications. This will be a valuable opportunity for farmers and agronomists to see the latest equipment in action and understand how it can be integrated into their operations.
The Teagasc Crops and Technology Open Day is being organised in partnership with the Irish Farmers Journal, ensuring a well-rounded and informative event for all attendees. With such a comprehensive programme, the open day is set to be a must-attend event for anyone involved in the tillage and horticultural sectors. It promises to provide valuable insights into the future of crop management and technology, helping farmers and growers to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
