An independent merchant in Co Laois has said the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon needs to take urgent action to prevent the demise of the tillage sector.

Martin McDonald of Stradbally Town and Country, which launched a 75% Irish ration last September, said: “The most immediate thing that can be done to help tillage farmers is for Bord Bia to put in place a minimum requirement of Irish grain in feed stuffs being fed on quality-assured farms.

“If this means the minister needs to start knocking heads together then it is what needs to be done.

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“There’s no point talking about putting it into assurance schemes in two to three years’ time. It needs to be done straight away.”

McDonald added: “Farmers need to start supporting farmers, because the tillage industry is facing a very bleak 2026 and if something is not done very soon it just won’t be there.”

Mix

Speaking on his own ration he said the mix of oats, barley, wheat and beans, along with beet pulp, soybean, minerals and additives is well-priced and customers like it.

“It’s a pity more farmers are not using Irish because last harvest highlighted the fact that there was no demand for certain Irish grains, especially oats and beans,” he commented.

He said it was “crazy” to be importing by-products like palm kernel and soya hulls from half-way around the world when they could easily be replaced by Irish-grown products.

McDonald encouraged all farmers to approach their feed suppliers and ask for Irish-grown ingredients in their animal feed.

He praised independent merchants who are buying Irish grain and providing competition and credit in the market.