NI grain price up to €126 per tonne
"Think twice about buying seed for 2006 without agreeing a minimum grain price or contract", growers are advised by IFA National Grain Committee Chairman Paddy Harrington.
He said some progressive buyers are examining options but others are running scared and are actively dissuading growers from talking about contracts.
On many farms, it may be financially more rewarding to leave the land fallow, says Mr Harrington.
He said grain growers cannot cover production costs, even at the €100 to €106 per tonne for green grain which he said is being freely paid - although Glanbia has quoted only €95 and €97 on-account for barley and wheat, respectively, at 20% moisture, exclusive of VAT.
Higher prices are being paid in the Northern Ireland feed trade, according to the UK's Home Grown Cereals Authority.
They said home-grown delivered feed wheat and feed barley into the east of the province was quoted at Stg£84 and Stg£85 (€125 or €126) respectively last week.
