Most tillage farmers have a clear picture of how much the 2015 harvest will leave them. The reality is that only the superb yields recorded have insulated farmers from heavy losses, as harvest prices remained around the same disappointing 2015 levels.

Barley

Dairygold confirmed its barley price as being €133, plus a €5 premium for growers who bought inputs from them. This loyalty bonus has become a standard element of grain prices. The Dairygold price is €3 higher than Glanbia’s, leaving them bottom of the pile. Most growers around the country received around €135 plus a bonus. Centenary Co-op in Thurles paid a base of €129, but an imaginative range of add-ons meant a price of up to €143/t, perhaps the best in the country.

Malting barley

Both Glanbia and Dairygold paid €162 for malting barley. This was slightly ahead of the Boortmalt harvest price of €160. Boortmalt did offer a deferred “harvest” price option, to be determined on 11 November. Indications are this might be €5 or so ahead of the September price.

Forward selling

Glanbia and Boortmalt have been the pioneers of forward selling options for farmers. In general, farmers who sold forward received better prices. A Boortmalt grower availing of the better price points would have an average price of around €170/t.

Dairygold paid €146/t for feed wheat, about the going rate. Dairygold’s oats price was €132/t.