Termonfeckin, Co. Louth – Thursday 18th June
Drummonds welcomed growers and industry professionals to its annual Trial Site Open Evening in Termonfeckin on Thursday 18 June,2026 providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the latest developments in crop management, varietal performance and sustainable farming practices.
The event attracted a strong attendance from growers across the region, reflecting the continued importance of independent field scale trials in helping farmers make informed decisions ahead of the coming planting season. Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to walk the variety trial demonstration plots, engage directly with agronomy specialists and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Irish tillage farming.
A key theme of the evening was the importance of crop rotation in building profitable and resilient farming systems. Discussions focused particularly on the role of oilseed rape within modern rotations and the significant benefits it can bring. Speakers highlighted how oilseed rape continues to offer growers an effective break crop option, helping to reduce disease pressure, improve weed control opportunities. Drummonds are well recognised as the experts in Oilseed rape agronomy, handling and trading the crop and can offer growers excellent top yielding varieties carefully selected to maximise returns for their customers.
Weed management was another major focus of the event, with attendees viewing dedicated weed screening trials designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different control strategies. As resistance issues continue to challenge growers across Ireland, these trials clearly demonstrated the benefits of pre emergence weed control strategies. The reduced number of chemical actives is now becoming a real issue and growers can be guided on the best approach for their farm by the Drummonds agronomists who are well experienced in dealing with these challenges.
The growing importance of cover crops was also demonstrated with both brassica and non brassica species on show. Growers were able to assess a range of species and mixtures and learn more about their role in improving soil health, reducing nutrient losses, enhancing soil organic matter and supporting overall farm sustainability. With increasing emphasis on environmental stewardship and regenerative farming practices, cover crops continue to be an important tool for growers seeking to improve both soil performance and long-term productivity.in addition the new EIP water schemes that include cover crops measure were discussed in detail.
One of the key highlights of the evening was the extensive range of both current and new cereal varieties on display, allowing growers to compare performance characteristics under local growing conditions.
Among the standout varieties featured was Organa Winter Barley, which has generated significant interest due to its BYDV resistance , superior yield performance and straw strength are key attributes that growers will benefit from. . Organa, bred by Nordic Seeds, was the highest yielding 2 row barley on the recommended list trial in 2025 and it is expected to be provisionally listed on the 2026/2027 Recommended list.
In the winter wheat portfolio, the new variety Kubik attracted considerable attention. This is a very high-yielding variety that combines excellent straw strength and disease resistance package. . Its vigorous growth habit makes it suitable for both early and late drilling situations, providing flexibility for growers across a range of farming systems. Kubik also delivers excellent Septoria resistance, helping to support robust crop health and maximise yield potential throughout the season. A really solid variety that growers can trust
Also featured was Bullseye Winter Wheat, Bullseye offers excellent yield potential and is particularly suited to earlier sowing due to its slower maturity. The variety demonstrates outstanding tillering capacity, good lodging resistance and strong grain quality characteristics. Of particular significance is its Septoria performance, having achieved the strongest Septoria rating in DAFM trials during both 2023 and 2024. This exceptional disease resistance profile provides growers with added confidence in managing one of the most significant disease challenges facing winter wheat production.
A variety that generated considerable discussion throughout the evening was the 100 Day Winter Barley concept. With growers increasingly looking for systems that deliver flexibility, efficiency and strong economic returns, interest in shorter season winter barley production continues to grow. Growers were able to examine crops in the field and discuss management strategies, establishment timing and the potential role of this innovative approach within modern crop rotations. The concept offers growers an opportunity to maximise rotational flexibility while maintaining strong yield performance and creating opportunities for subsequent crop establishment.
Speaking at the event, the Drummonds agronomy team emphasised the importance of on-farm and independent trial work in helping growers navigate increasingly complex production challenges. By evaluating varieties, crop protection programmes and agronomic techniques under local conditions, the Termonfeckin trial site continues to provide valuable insights that support practical, evidence based decision making on farm.
The Open Evening once again demonstrated Drummonds commitment to delivering innovation, technical expertise and trusted agronomic advice to Irish growers. As the tillage sector continues to evolve, initiatives such as the Termonfeckin Trial Site remain vital in ensuring farmers have access to the latest research, proven varieties and sustainable crop management solutions.
Drummonds would like to thank all growers, customers and industry partners who attended and contributed to another successful and informative evening and looks forward to continuing the conversation throughout the season. For more information contact your local Agronomist or call +353 01 8255011.
