Barley acreage down as sowing falls by up to 15%

SOWING of spring cereals was virtually completed early this week, according to advisors. In many areas, the spring barley acreage was 5% to 10% down compared to last year, and sowing had fallen by as much as 15%.

Growth was very poor in earlier sown crops due to a few weeks of dry, harsh weather, according to the Teagasc crop bulletin.

Advisers reported poor growth in winter cereals, particularly in oats and barley.