Spring oat seeds in short supply following poor harvest

RAFFLES spring wheat seed is in short supply, according to the Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA). It is one of four wheats on the Irish recommended list.

Seeds for all recommended spring oats varieties are in short supply after the difficult 2009 harvest resulted in poor grain quality and reduced seed germination.

Supplies of spring barley seed should be adequate, but growers seeking specific varieties of wheat and oats are encouraged by ISTA to order early. With prices having fallen to 2005 levels, certified seed costs only €2 per tonne of harvested grain more than home-saved seed; the crop requires less fungicides and herbicides; and will be higher yielding, better quality and fully traceable, according to ISTA . But seed could cost €4 per acre extra if a variety is sold out and has to be imported.