Good weather conditions for planting would appear to have helped keep the winter crops acreage broadly similar to last year. Indications from the trade suggest some up and down in individual regions but, at this point, the total area planted appears to have held up, despite low prices. And further good weather might see additional late planting.

There can be little doubt that the good planting conditions in October have helped. While acreages of individual crops may have fallen in some areas, there appear to be increases in others.

Donal Fitzgerald of Goldcrop reported increased winter barley planting in west Cork and Donegal, where late spring barley caused so much difficulty this harvest.

He also suggested that there may be less winter wheat towards the south and more in the northeast.

Overall, winter barley area may be back by 5-10%, to leave the acreage similar to 2015. Many areas are similar to last year. Catch crops and rape may have taken some acres. There is still limited seed available and crops are still being planted. Winter wheat area appears to be broadly similar to 2016 but the area may be higher in the northeast, where early harvesting of potatoes and maize will have helped to get wheat planted. Acreage may be lower towards the south. Planting is likely to continue while ground conditions remain good.

Winter oat area appears to be up. Some of this may be spring acres transferred to winter planting or growers taking advantage of the good soil conditions.

Acreage flat

Some suggest that winter plantings could be up about 15%, with the result that much or nearly all of the Husky seed has been planted, leaving little of this variety for spring planting. Acreage is regarded as being flat in many regions.

Winter oilseed rape area is up slightly, an estimated 15%, but this is from a low base. The recent rise in price should help the potential profitability of this crop.