Growing Our Grain Crops

Our grain crops are all sown using the conventional method of ploughing, tilling and sowing. This happens from September to November. It is essential to have a good seed bed to establish a healthy crop.

Soil analysis needs to be carried out to determine fertilizer requirements and PH levels for Lime.

Throughout the year the crop needs to be monitored closely for pests and diseases.
Slugs and aphids are the main pests. Slugs can be controlled by rolling the seed bed at sowing time. Aphids can be controlled by spraying.
Main Diseases include:- Mildew, Rust, Septoria and Fusarium. These are controlled by fungicides.
Weather – Fertilizer and Fungicide application are very important for a healthy crop and optimum yields.
Harvest time begins in July through to September.
All Grain is harvested with a combine and hauled back to farm.
Each load is weighed to establish yield, quality and moisture levels. All grain is dried and cleaned on site and stored until it leaves for the mills.
Straw from the crops is baled and sold to farmers for stock feed and bedding. We also supply straw for the mushroom industry where it is used to produce compost which in turn grows mushrooms.