Dramatic slump in cereal planting

A DRAMATIC drop in the sowing of winter cereals has led to renewed fears that many farmers are thinking of pulling out of grain growing because of low profitability.

Winter wheat acreage sown to date is estimated by Teagasc to be 45,000-50,000 hectares, compared with 77,000 hectares grown last year.

No more than 12,000 hectares of winter barley has been sown. Some 20,000 hectares were grown last year.