Growers urged to get grain minimum

GRAIN growers have been urged to insist on minimum price contracts before sowing this spring.

IFA Grain Committee chairman Column McDonnell said growers have already offered minimum price contracts of €105/tonne for barley, €107-€110 for wheat and €110-€115 for oats.

“Competition for grain is hotting up as close on 24,000 hectares were taken out of production last season,” he said. The entry of a new buyer in Laois/Offaly/Kildare has spurred on Minch Malt to offer contracts to ex-Midland Maltings suppliers while Minch are offering higher contracts to growers in Athy to cater for Guinness.