Growers have been warned to expect shortages of the grain preservative propionic acid this season.

Earlier this year, two of the largest producers of propionic acid reported delivery and production problems. This has resulted in a shortage of organic acids on the world market.

Reports from merchants and growers this week suggest they are struggling to secure their required volumes for this year’s grain harvest. There has also been reports of some merchants rationing supplies.

Grain preservation

Propionic acid, commonly known as propcorn, is typically applied to grain with a moisture content of between 16% and 24%. It has been used as a grain preservation treatment for decades.

Grain at 20% moisture needs around 10l/t of propcorn, while 18% grain needs around 8l/t. A big advantage with propionic acid-treated grain is that it’s immediately ready to feed.

Secure alternatives

Growers have been urged to secure alternative grain treatments this season.

“Growers need to be proactive and start looking for alternatives now,” Donegal IFA grain chair Peter Lynch told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Peter Lynch, grain chair of Donegal IFA.
“After talking to a number of merchants, there seems to be a real shortage in propcorn this year, and if growers aren’t prepared, there’s likely to be a big problem at harvest time.

“Propcorn is an important grain treatment method used across Ireland so growers need to talk to their suppliers early to see what they can secure.

“If growers need to use alternatives to propcorn, they need to make sure they know what’s involved. Some alternatives require different methods of use compared to propcorn,” Lynch concluded.

Act quickly

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president William Irvine recently said: “After being made aware of the issue and recognising that some suppliers are having problems sourcing propionic acid, with suggestions that these difficulties will continue into the foreseeable future, arable growers will need to act quickly and consider all alternatives.

“We are encouraging arable growers to contact their local supplier immediately to inquire if they have stock in-hand and if not, to actively explore other alternatives on the market.

“Northern Ireland merchants are actively doing all they can to try to identify and source alternative grain preservation products for growers.”