“The supply of local grain is going to become increasingly important,” according to Eoin Lowry, head of agriculture at Bank of Ireland, due to the volatility that is present around the world.

“We are beginning to see movement in that area,” Lowry explained at a live recording of the Irish Farmers Journal’s Tillage Podcast at the National Ploughing Championships. “Some feed mills are encouraging and insisting on using Irish grain first.

“We are very, very confident in the tillage sector and in the future of the tillage sector.

“A vibrant tillage sector in this country is vitally important and should be encouraged by everyone in the agricultural sector,” Lowry commented.

He noted that tillage farms are more diversified in terms of their crop rotation than five years ago, and this is being helped by strong markets for oilseed rape and some premium crops. There’s also a lot more focus on soil management, efficiency and reducing labour requirements too.

It was also noted that tillage farmers have very low levels of debt in general.

“They’re not big spenders when it comes to buying land and expanding, they’re renting,” Lowry explained. “A lot of farmers are investing in new technology, availing of the TAMS grants to update their machinery.”

“We need to ensure that tillage farmers are investing and we’re confident to lend into the sector,” Lowry added.

Listen to the full interview with Eoin Lowry on the Tillage Podcast next Thursday.