Dairygold and Glanbia confirmed their green grain prices at levels that might be described as higher than market values but not high enough to profit at farm level. Green barley prices that apply to shareholders or members entitled to the trading bonus are €133/t from Dairygold and €132/t from Glanbia.

These quoted prices include a bonus or direct support payment in the price. Glanbia’s prices include a €10/t support to shareholders, up from the €5/t paid in recent years.

The Dairygold bonus is €5/t. For growers ineligible for the loyalty bonus or the top-up, prices for all products are lower. In the case of feed barley, this would be €128/t for Dairygold and €122/t for Glanbia.

The net price, including bonus, for feed wheat is €141 and €142/t from Dairygold and Glanbia. The higher support payment sees Glanbia pay €165/t for malting barley while Dairygold’s price is €160/t.

Other Cork co-ops have also moved to support growers. Lisavaird are paying €125/t for barley plus €10/t for customers in recognition of the difficult year. It is also waiving penalties on low bushel grain. Barryroe is paying €132/t for barley. Both co-ops are expected to add an end-of-year bonus for farmers.

In Leinster, prices will not be so strong, but harvest conditions were better. The price Bolgers in Wexford is paying is probably indicative – €122/t for barley plus a €5 loyalty bonus. Wheat is €10/t better at €132, with beans at €160.