A third of the country’s farmers have not purchased fertiliser so far this year and over 70% plan on cutting back on usage, an exclusive Irish Farmers Journal reader survey has found.

While 64% of the 1,730 respondents had secured some fertiliser supplies, 36% indicated that they had not purchased any stocks.

The poll’s findings follow confirmation that fertiliser prices have hit an all-time high, surpassing the peak of 2008 and running 300% to 400% ahead of 2020 levels.

Dairy and tillage farmers have been the most active fertiliser purchasers; with 88% of milk suppliers and 77% of cereal growers confirming that they have bought stocks.

In contrast, just 60% of beef producers had purchased fertiliser.

The survey also found that two-thirds of beef farmers and almost 50% of sheep producers plan to cut stock numbers this year as a result of higher input costs.

Meanwhile, 45% of pig farmers have stopped serving sows, while one-quarter plan to exit the sector.