Glas- WBC sowing costs

BigSteaks

I have 4 acres (4.25) to be precise to sow. So I calculate it I need 135kg oats and 30kg linseed.

Last year and previous could only get oats in 50kg bags. 3 * 50 cost me €105.
Linseed could only get 20kg bags so bought 2 * 20kg cost me €150.

So total cost of €255 not including contractor costs which are another few hundred.

Anyone getting seed cheaper or in different quantity bags? Does it have to be wild oats or is there another seed can be used? I heard lads were using barley.

Water John

It's oats TMK. Can't you simply set what's required. Personally don't agree with the oats. Feeding crows and rats mainly.
But your getting €1,530 for the job. I paid €160/170 for a premix for one hectare.
Your netting over €1K for your 4.25 acres.

Can't be wild oats (Avena Fatua). Head for a nightclub tonight, if you want to sow those.

BigSteaks

Water John wrote: »

It's oats TMK. Can't you simply set what's required. Personally don't agree with the oats. Feeding crows and rats mainly.
But your getting €1,530 for the job. I paid €160/170 for a premix for one hectare.
Your netting over €1K for your 4.25 acres.

Can't be wild oats (Avena Fatua). Head for a nightclub tonight, if you want to sow those.

Unfortunately not in local store. Ah looking at your prices not much in it so. You are right crows go bloody crazy once I sow it. Put it in field beside neighbour to keep him on his toes with the rats. Hopefully few birds of prey especially owls might benefit. Lot of pheasants in it which is great to see.

Jaysus I do my best not to spread the wild oats too much, could be signed up to an expensive scheme for 18 years!!!

Base price

We used barley last year cause we couldn't get oat seed, apparently there was a demand for oats for commercial production. The barley did not grow as well as the oats did so I ordered oats in Jan for this year.
20kg bags of linseed were €70
50kg bags of spring barley were €25
The previous year 50kg bags of oats (kinto) were €30.

Hard Knocks

How are you sowing the second year?
Are you harrowing or ploughing again?

BigSteaks

Hard Knocks wrote: »

How are you sowing the second year?
Are you harrowing or ploughing again?

Ploughed the first year so just harrowed last year and it was perfect. €50 an acre to plough so it would add up to be doing it again. You should get away with harrowing.

Water John

If you have some stock, shove them in there and let them root around. They eat a good bit of the scrub left and trampel it in. Also, trim the headland. They love it.

Reggie.

Water John wrote: »

If you have some stock, shove them in there and let them root around. They eat a good bit of the scrub left and trampel it in. Also, trim the headland. They love it.

Yep then a Run of a grass harrow and seed it. Roll to finish

grassroot1

Contact your local NARGC gun club some of them are providing farmers with bird crop seed at a reduced rate. If you contact nargc@nargc.ie someone will direct you to a nearby contact for your county.