Teagasc dairy specialist Joe Patton told tillage farmers at this Tuesday's Crops Forum that opportunities existed for them to supply livestock farmers with fodder.

“A variety of forages can be used, including whole crop wheat, maize and beet, while grass is not traded as frequently by the tillage farmer,” he said.

“The cost of grass establishment necessitates a longer-term contract between the livestock and the tillage farmer, but can be beneficial for both individuals in the long term.”

Hay

Co Kildare farmer James Ashmore said he was growing short-term grass for hay and intended to increase the crop's area and use it in a nine-year rotation.

James Nolan of R&H Hall gave a positive outlook for grain prices. “Prospects for the coming few months are more on the bullish side, with China increasing imports, while exporting regions have lower availability of grain. However, a good global maize harvest and the devaluation of currencies in Russia and South America may help stabilise the current market,” he said.

Mushroom compost

Meanwhile, IFA grain committee chair Mark Browne said he had met with representatives from the mushroom compost industry to discuss the establishment of structures reducing the effect of price volatility in the straw trade.

According to the IFA, 40% of all Irish wheaten straw is used by the composters in a normal year, but supply is expected to fall by 30% this year. "This severe reduction will have a serious impact on those farmers with poor yields and also straw availability for the mushroom compost industry," Browne said.

Pressure

With grain growers under pressure from weather conditions, prices and CAP cuts while the mushroom sector is exposed to Brexit and rising input costs, the IFA was keen to bring the two "interdependent" industries closer together.

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