Focus on Energy Crops at Agriculture and Food 06

Rising oil prices has swung the spotlight onto bio-energy crops. Teagasc is to the forefront in Ireland in exploring the opportunities for farmers in becoming producers of alternative energy crops.

At Agriculture and Food 06, the major Teagasc event of the year being held at Kildalton College on June 21, a range of alternative crops which have been grown for fuel will be on display on the day, accompanied by expert Teagasc advice. This is an opportunity to see these new crops and hear first hand the latest knowledge on this developing sector. The opportunities for individual farmers from crops such as oilseed rape, miscanthus, and willows will be explored on the day.

This bio-energy display will be just one part of a major tillage exhibition at this event. The latest news on wheat and barley varieties, fungicide trials and weed control strategies will also be featured. Visitors can get information on novel cereals such as naked and black oats.

Advise on growing and feeding the full range of forage crops such as cereal wholecrop, kale, rape, peas, beans, lupins and maize will be available. As the area under maize continues to increase, growers are searching for effective weed control programmes and alternative products to atrazine are being tested in Kildalton.