Comment: Research conducted by Bord Bia indicated that potatoes are still the most consumed carbohydrate in Ireland, with 97% of households purchasing potatoes and a recorded growth in purchase of 1.3% to September 2018.

Liftings continue this week in favourable conditions. The first earlies are now largely cleared. Yields are much better than last year, as is quality.

Quantities of old stock remaining are marginal, as lifting of new-season Rooster crop is expected to commence in some regions next week.

According to a report by the AHDB, potato production is likely to be significantly below average in both Poland and the Czech Republic this year.

Over 90% of the Czech Republic remains in drought, with 23% of the country deemed as being in extreme drought. Its main source of imports (Germany) may not be able to meet increased export demand due to severe drought experienced this summer.

The UK is looking at this as an opportunity to increase exports, depending on Brexit outcomes.

Read more

Watch: finishing the winter barley harvest with a Massey Ferguson 7360 Beta

Listen: grants to encourage the use of native grains