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Rush Cutting Demo in Co Leitrim

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

The National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) and the Rural Enterprise Skillnet which provide training services to the expanding organic and agricultural sector in Ireland is organising a rush cutting demonstration on a hill farm in North Leitrim. Irish manufacturer Quad-X will be showcasing their trailed rush shredders to show farmers how they can control rushes, even in difficult ground conditions. The demonstration will take place on the 17th June 2010 on the farm of Terence McGloin, Ahanlish, Largydonnell from 7-9pm.

The problem of rush infestation is not new and with recent years of wet weather the problem is only getting worse. Rushes can quickly infest a field if not managed and use up the foods, space, light and moisture which should nourish profitable crops. Rushes make harvesting difficult and reduce the grazing value of land. For rush control it is simple: Sort them out now before they take over.

Under the REPS Single Payment Scheme, farmers are required to maintain land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition as part of Cross-Compliance. John Brennan chairperson of the National Organic Training Skillnet states that rush control on hill ground has been difficult especially in organic farming where chemical control is not an option, in addition land conditions are not always suitable to use tractor driven mowers. The use of quad trailed shredders eliminates the issue of damaging fields and also allows farmers to access land in quieter periods e.g. winter or early spring.

The best and quickest way to control rush is to cut the rush as early as possible in the year when the frost can help kill up to 40% of what\\\'s left without any chemical, which reduces your cost. Another advantage of cutting at this time of year is that the sap has dropped and the rush becomes more brittle and easier to cut, using less fuel. Surprisingly the advantage of cutting rushes is that  they provide effective fertiliser as they contain 70% NPK value of farmyard manure, so the cut rushes can put humus back into the land and help boost grass growth.

Directions to the farm:     

The farm is located 11 miles from Manorhamilton and 3 miles from Kinlough. Coming from Manorhamilton travel towards Kinlough or Bundoran for 10 miles and turn left 1 mile after Glenade Chapel. The turnoff is just before a humpback bridge in Largydonnell. Continue on this road for approx 1 mile and follow signs for the demonstration.

Coming from Kinlough, take the Manorhamilton Road and travel for about 4 miles then turn left just after you cross a humpback bridge. Follow the signs for the demonstration.

For further details on the event please call Sean McGloin on 086-1728442.

The National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) and Rural Enterprise Skillnet is funded by member companies and the Training Networks Programme, an initiative of Skillnets Ltd. Funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 

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