Research & development
Teagasc forage breeding program in the Teagasc Oakpark Carlow
Goldcrop are proud to partner with the Teagasc Forage Breeding Programme based at Teagasc OakPark, Co. Carlow. Goldcrop have exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize and market all-new varieties produced by the programme.
The Teagasc Forage Breeding programme continues to develop improved varieties of Perennial Ryegrass, White Clover and Red Clover for Irish farmers. Farmers may currently choose among five perennial ryegrass and six white clover varieties bred by Teagasc for reseeding. A number of other new varieties are currently undergoing seed increase for future release.
Many varieties also exhibit excellent performance in a wide range of international climates, allowing Goldcrop to bring the best of Irish plant genetics to other markets across the globe.
Research & development
Field screening trials for Maize and beet varieties for their suitability to Ireland
Goldcrop conduct extensive trialling on Maize, Sugar beet and Fodder Beet to select the most suitable varieties for the Irish growing conditions. These are sourced from our partner international breeders.
The best Maize Varieties from Goldcrop are then entered into official trials conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine across a range of sites in Ireland. After three harvest years in official trials, only the best varieties are published in the Irish Maize Recommended list.
There are no official trials for beet. Goldcrop conduct repeated years of yield and agronomy trials across a range of sites in Ireland before a new variety is released into the market.
Goldcrop owns and operates its own weighing trailing, allowing to accurately weight from a wide range of forage trials
International breeders
Bringing the best technologies to Ireland
Goldcrop have a dedicated screening site operated annually at Shanagarry Co. Cork which screens a large amount of emerging new varieties. Species tested include the main combinable crops: Winter and Spring Barley, Winter and Spring Wheat, Oats, Oilseed Rape and Pulses. Where possible, the best varieties are then independently evaluated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the information published in varieties recommended lists.