The ever-increasing global grain supply is hardly good news for grain growers. However, recent co-op announcements provide welcome support for some growers, with Dairygold paying €145/t for green barley to those who qualify for the €5/t top-up and Glanbia offering €147/t to co-op members.

These prices are welcome for those who qualify but Glanbia’s base of €133/t for green barley is seen as a challenge to the rest of the sector, who valued the same grain at between €140 and €145/t. Price support is welcome from the co-ops, but is this genuine support or a competitiveness measure? Is it right that non-members suffer a €14/t price difference? These suppliers will certainly have to assess their situation.

Meanwhile, weather challenges remain in completing the harvest and in getting winter crops planted. Failure to get crops planted will have consequences for grain and straw supply next year.