The Irish feed trade is facing questions from farmers regarding the quality of imported grain being used in feed rations.

A boatload of barley was the subject of an IFA protest at Foynes Harbour, Co Limerick, on Tuesday, as the worst fears for price and yields for harvest 2016 are being realised. A sample of the grain was tested, and proved to be of poor quality.

Farmers expressed frustration to the point of rage that such grain is being imported when Ireland is producing enough barley for its domestic feed requirements, with 2015 crop barley still languishing in stores.

Questions are being asked about whether Irish grain assurance is merely a flag of convenience for the feed trade, and whether minimum inclusion of domestic grain should be demanded. Grain farmers want some dividend for the assured grain they supply, and now livestock farmers want to know just what grain is in their coarse ration – and particularly their pelleted feed.

“The future of grain farming in Ireland is at stake with current price offers for new crop grain significantly below the cost of production,” said IFA grain chair Liam Dunne.

“Grain farmers attending the protest were surprised at the quality of the barley imported into the country in recent days. Based on a number of samples obtained and analysed by trade buyers, the bushel weight was 61kph, with screenings running from 9% up.”

IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said: “Livestock farmers are fully behind their fellow grain farmers and will be insisting on the maximum inclusion levels of native grain in rations this winter.”