Erratic grain price fluctuations add to market difficulties for farmers

INCREASINGLY erratic grain price fluctuations are adding to the market difficulties facing farmers, according to experts speaking at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference in Carlow yesterday.

Grain growers heard how volatile world grain markets are forcing more farmers to use risk management strategies to minimise the impact of price fluctuations on their businesses.

John Spink, head of Teagasc’s crop science department, said: “Irish farmers have tended to sell most grain ‘green’ off the combine, which has left them vulnerable to price volatility. This year is the first year where the opportunity to sell grain in advance of harvest has been more widely available to all growers.”