Family theme for Drinagh reseeding demonstration

DRINAGH Co-Op will be holding a Reseeding Demonstration and Family Day on the farm of Denis and Fiona Harnedy at Shepperton, near Skibbereen, on Wednesday next, August 30th, at 2pm. 

This is a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)-approved Knowledge Transfer event for beef and dairy farmers. The event will give farmers a first-hand opportunity to see how different reseeding methods may work on their farm and the best practice procedures required in order to achieve the best return on their investment. 

A selection of local contractors will provide a live demonstration of reseeding machinery on the day. These include conventional ploughing system, disc harrowing, one pass system and direct drilling.

Along with the live demonstration, leading industry experts will present and give advice on a range of topics relating to reseeding grassland – the benefits of reseeding, soil fertility, grass variety selection and weed control. The speakers will include Dr Mary McEvoy, Technical Development Manager, Germinal Seeds; Dr Michael O'Donovan, Research Officer, Teagasc, Moorepark; Dr Stan Lawlor,  Head of Speciality, Grassland Agro; Dave Barry  Grass and Forage Crops General Manager, Goldcrop; Don Crowley, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc, Clonakilty.

There will be a selection of grass plots on display in conjunction with the live reseeding demonstration. These grass plots will show a comparison between some of the different sowing techniques and weed control approaches at reseeding. 

Three cultivation plots have already been sown using the following techniques: Aitchison direct drill; power harrow and one-pass seed drill; disc harrow cultivation and one-pass seed drill. The weed control plots will demonstrate a number of different approaches in reseeding weed control: full weed control (pre-emergence and post-emergence sprays used); partial weed control (one treatment only) and no weed control.

An assessment of the pros and cons of each of the cultivation methods and weed control treatments will be discussed with contributions from each guest speaker also.

In addition to the reseeding event, numerous trade stands will be present to offer attendees professional advice with expertise on a vast range of topics and products.

As it is a family event, Drinagh will be providing children's entertainment as well as complimentary food and refreshments. The event will be signposted clearly from all approaching routes on the day and all are welcome to attend.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine registration for Knowledge Transfer group participants will be from 1.45 to 3pm.