Firm’s direct purchase could boost price for grain growers

A MAJOR animal feed firm has agreed to facilitate grain growers by buying directly from them within an agreed system at market price — as opposed to going through a broker.

Management at Kiernan Milling plant in Granard, Co Longford also said they do not intend to implement a tendering system for purchase of cereals.

This commitment to shorten the supply chain should result in higher prices for growers who had to sell to a merchant, who then sold on to a broker or trader, who in turn sold to a mill, according to IFA sources.

IFA members had protested at the plant because of alleged imports of cheaper grain to be processed there.

But management sources said 80% of their grain is bought in Ireland.

Kiernan Milling is one of the main suppliers of animal feed in the midlands and north east.

Meanwhile, growers continued to battle with the weather. With most crops ripe, growers face considerable losses unless progress can be made this week. However, an improvement is unlikely before the weekend. With a reasonably dry spell predicted for Saturday and Sunday, growers are advised to cut the most valuable crops first, and avail of every harvest opportunity once moisture contents drop below 22%.