Many grain growers lost €250 per hectare on own land

MANY farmers have lost more than €250 per hectare (€100 per acre) growing grain on their own land in 2009, according to Teagasc. Losses were even higher on rented land.

Although Irish cereal production was 22% less than 2008, a bumper world harvest and lower than expected global demand caused Irish grain prices to slump 30%, and poor yields also contributed to serious financial consequences for many Irish growers.

Straw sales worth up to €130 per hectare partly alleviated financial difficulties for many growers.