For those keen to make the most of these favourable growth conditions across the country, we take a look at CAN prices nationwide.

We spoke to a number of merchants from across the country to bring you the best information on what you should be paying for one ton of CAN collected and delivered.

A national average price of €250/t delivered for bags was quoted by merchants surveyed, a drop of €10/t since our last price survey at the end of April.

This comes after the IFA suggested farmers could expect to see a €30/t reduction in prices. Most farmers and merchants are yet to see this drop in price.

The keenest quote for CAN was in the east of the country where farmers could expect prices of €235/t for bags delivered and €225/t for bulk. Elsewhere prices were highest in the south were the average price quoted was €260/t for bags delivered and €255 for bulk.

Both the west and the north fell somewhere in the middle of these two price ranges at €255/t and €245/t respectively for bags delivered.

Across the board bulk was cheaper than bags and collected was cheaper than delivered. However some merchants do not charge extra for delivery so it’s important to check with your local supplier.

Compound fertilisers

With the most farmers having first cut silage completed or aiming to cut later this week the price of Cut Sward and 18:6:12 are in the region of €335.

The north of the country had the lowest quotes for 18s of €320 while the east wasn't far behind at €330 for both 18s and Cut Sward.

Meanwhile in the rest of the country Cut Sward was quoted as being between €340 and €345.

Demand

Merchants in the west reported that demand was beginning to pick up while those in the east and south have reported trade to be very quiet so far.

The majority attributed this to strong grass growth brought on by the recent rain with most farmers yet to require extra fertiliser. However, they were anticipating a very busy end to the week