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Malting barley intake by Ireland’s largest maltster Boortmalt is back by 50% this year.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal at the 2018 Irish Malting Barley Excellence Awards, Boortmalt CEO Yvan Schaepman confirmed that tonnages were down across all intake locations as a result of the difficult growing year.
Schaepman acknowledged the difficulties experienced by the company’s 900 growers that led to the high rejection levels.
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He reassured growers of the company’s commitment to ‘‘making malting barley the most profitable crop for Irish growers’’ and his belief in a 100% Irish malting barley supply chain.
He cited the development of a new joint collaboration with Teagasc as being a key step to achieving this, and also fulfilling its anticipated increase in capacity of 30,000t at the Athy site.
He stated that the company is confident about the future of malting barley in Ireland, but spoke of the ongoing need to adapt to the new conditions.
For example, in response to the increased pressure on feed markets this year, the malting price was increased accordingly and a distilling premium was provided. However, there were no details revealed of the new pricing deal for the 2019 crop as negations are still ongoing.
Wexford success
Wexford farmer Padraig Kehoe scooped the top prize for his malting barley at this year’s awards. Having come first in the Cooladine Enniscorthy growers group, he then came first among all six groups and will bring the Guinness Perpetual Cup to back to Wexford.
Commenting after the awards, he expressed his surprise in winning the top prize.
There was further success for Wexford as Francis and Phillip Kehoe from New Ross took home the first prize in the seed growing category.
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