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.”