Jimmy Purcell, who is farming in Clonmel Co. Tipperary, was today named the “Hybrid Barley Grower of the Year 2017” at a prizegiving ceremony in Carlow. The competition, which had participation from farmers across the country, aims to reward farmers who have leveraged the unique strengths in Hybrid Barley’s genetics in order to grow an outstanding crop. Three regional finalists along with their advisors were acknowledged at the ceremony. Jimmy, who was also the Munster Regional Finalist in the competition, was recognised alongside his advisor James Irish from Brett Brothers, for the agronomic support he provided.
Speaking at the event was Tim O’Donovan, Technical Director at Seedtech; “This competition aims to showcase the good work farmers up and down the country are doing in order to maximise the potential that Hybrid Barley presents. We assessed this competition primarily on yield, but also on a range of different factors including grain quality and crop records. All three finalists and their advisors have taken simple agronomic steps to achieve more grain and more profit with their Hybrid Barley crop.”
On receiving his award Jimmy Purcell, who achieved 4.77 tonnes/acre with his crop of Hybrid Barley, said “I’ve been growing Hybrid Barley for the last seven years because of its yield and profit-making potential. The crops performance in this year’s harvest was excellent both in terms of its yield and grain quality. I am really pleased to receive this award and would like to thank my advisor James Irish from Brett Brothers for the role he played in achieving these strong results.”
Hybrid Barley Advisor of the Year James Irish added: “It’s important to us that we source local, high quality grain for inclusion in rations coming from our mill. Equally we want to support farmers so that they can maximise their output in an economically sustainable way. Hybrid Barley fits that profile and I’m particular delighted for Jimmy that his good work has been recognised here today.”
Other regional finalist’s in the competition, which is in its second year, included:
South Leinster: Kevin Nolan, Nolan Farming, Bennekerry, Co.Carlow who achieved yields of 4.72 tonnes/acre, along with his advisor Michael Fawle, C.R Wynne.
North Leinster: Martin & Patrick Hickey, Ardee, Co.Louth, who achieved yields of 4.42 tonnes/acre, along with their advisor Conor Dobson, Teagasc.
