Bumper harvest unlikely, says IFA

IFA grain committee chairman Colum McDonnell has said crop development around the country has been slow due to the unusually cold and wet weather in recent weeks, and despite early predictions for a bumper harvest of 2.4m tonnes, that is now unlikely.

“The expectation now is that a harvest of over 2.1 million tonnes is likely, which is 5% above the 20-year average. Winter barley harvesting is due to begin this week”, Mr McDonnell said.

Mr McDonnell said tillage growers are concerned at the escalating cost of fuel and fertiliser. “Many growers will be re-assessing their options for the coming season,” he said.