Grain production predicted to fall 9% on 2011

Teagasc forecasts grain production to fall 9% behind 2011 — even if the harvest weather is favourable, and despite a harvest area increase of 6.3%, or 19,000 hectares.

By the middle of last week, the winter barley harvest was estimated to be 25% complete, with yields ranging from 5.5 to 9.1 tonnes/hectare (1-2 t/ha less than 2011).

The worst performances were linked to root disease (mainly take-all) or BYDV.