DEAR SIR: As we once again approach the spring sowing season, I have a query regarding the supply of barley, oats and wheat seed. Why is it that the seed only available in 50kg bags?

Health risk

In the present climate of labour shortages on Irish farms, with many of the farming community of advanced years and depending on the assistance of young relatives in their teenage years, having to lift the 50kg bags on to high seed drills surely poses a health and safety risk.

Last season, grain imported into Ireland was available in 25kg bags – why can’t Irish merchants follow suit?

This was successfully done in the building industry a number of years ago, when the size of the bags of cement was reduced from 50kg to 25kg.

Is it a case of the health and welfare of the Irish farmers – who are the backbone of the Irish economy – not being considered as important as their counterparts working in the construction industry?