It seems likely that the big grain co-ops will agree their green grain harvest prices in the coming week, against a depressed background market. While there is no firm indication of what these price levels will be, there is still optimism that €130, or more, may be paid for green feed barley.

While growers cannot deny the reality of the market, they are likely to remember the merchants who paid €135/t and €140/t for green barley earlier this season.

And as green prices are unlikely to cover production costs, growers seem more willing to purchase next year’s inputs from those merchants who paid what are now deemed to be relatively good prices.

Where final deals are being agreed, price offers currently vary from €132/t to €137/t for green spring barley (excluding vat), with wheat €5/t to €7/t higher. The oats market is even more subdued, with prices ranging from parity with barley to as much as €7/t below barley price.

The IFA’s Liam Dunne has again called on the grain trade to shore up grain prices this harvest in the face of heavy production losses being experienced by growers.

Income is essential to pay the bills and these same merchants are among the creditors. Dunne also called on the EU commissioner designate, Phil Hogan, to realign CAP policy so that it can deliver viable incomes for family farms, as well as addressing environmental issues.

Planting continues

Meanwhile, planting is continuing apace and early indications predict a 20% to 25% increase in winter barley area. This is partly a response to the need for additional crops for crop diversification, but also due to the high yields achieved in recent years. The result is that native certified seed is no longer available and seed is now being imported to meet demand.

Demand for bean seed for the coming season is also likely to be high as a result of greening and the new protein payment. However, it is questionable if enough seed can be sourced to even double the current bean area and so potential growers are advised to put in seed orders now. There is also expected to be an unprecedented demand for bean seed in Britain and this adds to the difficulty in securing seed for the year ahead.

While calls for the postponement of greening continue, it is now known that this will not happen and so all growers need to choose their options for greening to ensure they qualify for the final 30% of their potential payment.