Weather cuts crop yields by at least 300,000 tonnes, says IFA

IFA national grain committee chairman Noel Delaney said the bad weather has taken a significant toll on crops, reducing yield potential by at least 300,000 tonnes.

Mr Delaney said: “Torrential and incessant rain, coupled with below normal temperatures and low sunshine levels, have been taking their toll on crops. Winter wheat yield average was 10.2 tonnes per hectare last year.

“However, current estimates for the 2012 harvest indicate a yield potential of 8.5–8.6 tonnes p/ha. This is significantly below the long-term average yield of 9.24 tonnes p/ha.”

Mr Delaney said that in terms of spring barley, yields averaged 7.5 tonnes p/ha last harvest, but they are currently looking at a yield potential of 6 tonnes p/ha.

He said that, once again, this is well below the long-term average of 6.5 tonnes p/ha.

Despite increased cereal sowings of 27,000ha, the potential harvest for Ireland is now looking like reaching only 2.1 to 2.2m tonnes, which is substantially down on last year’s harvest of 2.45m tonnes.

Mr Delaney added: “Growers are becoming increasingly concerned as there is no let-up in the inclement weather conditions and yield potential slips with each passing day.

“Fortunately, prices continue to harden with green barley trading out over €200 per tonne and wheat at €5 to €6 per tonne higher.

“Hopefully, the weather improves dramatically in the coming days or growers will be faced with a salvage operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, business advisory firm Grant Thornton has cautioned that there are other mounting input costs facing farmers, along with the potential rise in grain prices likely to follow the reduced domestic grain yield.

Grant Thornton is citing rises in seed costs, electricity and motor fuels, where there have been jumps of 7.7%, 14.4% and 7.3% respectively in a year.

Pat Burke, a partner with Grant Thornton, said: “It is vitally important that the Government protects this essential indigenous growth industry.

“While some of these costs are beyond the control of Irish borders, collective and co-operative action by producers supported by the Government is the best way to protect this industry,” Mr Burke added.