Grain harvesting got under way again last weekend in many parts of the country, especially on spring barley in the south and east. While showers continue to disrupt progress, grain losses were generally low and yields are holding up well. Grain quality seems to be lower in the current cutting window than it was two weeks ago.

Harvest progress is very variable around the country. There is probably 50-60% cut in parts of the south and southeast, but only 30-35% in the northeast. There is still some winter barley to be cut in the northwest, which is being prevented by rain and ground conditions.

In general, yields are good to very good in most areas. There are relatively few reports of spring barley under 3.0t/ac and many growers have cut at least one crop over 4t. Quality is variable, especially towards the south of the country.

Distilling

Progress in malting barley has been good also and protein levels have increased. This has improved the balance between the higher and lower protein requirements of brewing and distilling and it has enabled more of the lower-protein crops to be taken in. Barley that is surplus to contract is not being taken in until individual growers have filled all of their contracted tonnage.

Winter wheat yields are generally above 4.0t/ac (but not all) with many reports of 5.0-5.6t/ac crops. Quality is good but no longer exceptional. Growers are pleasantly surprised by the output level from individual fields.

Big yields and harvest pressure continue to impact on prices. Dry barley is currently around €157/t but there is a bit more optimism post-harvest. Green prices of €140/t are now only available to special customers, with most others looking at €135/t. This will leave growers with negative margins for the third year running, according to IFA’s Liam Dunne.

He is calling on Commissioner Phil Hogan to realign CAP policy to address this deepening income crisis on tillage farms. “Policy needs to deliver viable incomes for farm families while still addressing environmental issues,” Dunne stated.