The ongoing dry conditions have resulted in a dream start to the 2026 cereal harvest across NI.
Reports suggest the winter barley harvest in the south and south-east of NI is well progressed, with some growers already finished up.
Moisture levels are low with little or no drying needed in most cases.
For example, a grower in Co Down had moisture between 14% to 15.5% and kept grain driers switched off.
There is a mixed picture in terms of yield. Crops on free draining soils have fared well, with reports of yields pushing over 3.85t/acre.
However, on heavier ground, yields have fallen below 3t/acre, as the prolonged wet weather in the spring held back winter crops.
A lack of sunshine in May for grain fill has also been cited as an issue this year.
Northwest
As usual, crops have been a bit later to ripen in the northwest, with several growers indicating that they were planning to start harvesting winter barley today (Thursday).
Whilst the recent sunny weather has helped to ripen grain on top, straw was still slightly green in below, so most growers in the north-west decided to hold off.
It seems a safe bet given that the good weather is set to last into next week and it should mean that straw will be ready for baling more quickly.
With harvest only beginning, prices for barley are yet to materialise.
However, growers in Co Down suggest there is a ready market for good quality straw, with prices generally starting off at last year’s levels.
Reports indicate that straw is trading at £60 for 8x4x3 squares and 4x4 round bales are around £25 ex field.
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