Winter barley: “When we started cutting the winter barley last Friday, we have 300ac to cut. We were cutting at 22.5% moisture on Friday and I knew what was coming down the tracks as regards the weather, so on Monday we were down to 14.5%. The bushel is from 65 to 67 which is good for a six-row winter barley, the variety is a hybrid SY Canyon. We’re happy enough with the yields on it. We dry and store all of the barley ourselves. I generally sell it then to Tirlán or some pig farmers now and again.”

Tillage: “We’re solely tillage. It’s myself, my wife Sinéad, my two sons Johnny and Jimmy, who have their green certs done, and my two daughters Sarah and Clara. They all give a hand out when we’re busy. We also grow winter wheat, oilseed rape, beans and winter oats. We’re all min-till as well.”

Harvest: “One time, the 15 July was our start date and it has been gradually dropping back. Last year we were 3 July, this year we were the 3 July. I don’t know if it’s something to do with climate change or not.”

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Weather: “With the forecast for good weather, we will be in the oats on Friday and I’d say by the middle of next week our oilseed rape could be ready if this weather continues. The bonus for that as well is we can get all the straw baled – my young lads look after that.”

Grain prices: “Look, they’re not looking great at the moment and it’s hard understand why they are so low.”

Irish grain: “We’d be hoping that the mills and big users of grain would use more native Irish grain – like it’s the best quality out there.”