Heavy rains and wind hamper harvest effort
Grain commitee chairman Liam Dunne said 25%-30% of the crops are still in the fields in some regions.
The west, north west, and the northern part of the country have been worst hit.
“Many growers are at their wits end as the rapid deterioration in weather has stopped the harvest and the forecast remains bad for the week,” he said.
Mr Dunne said crops that were sown later and are later maturing, particularly on the heavier soils, are now beginning to break down after the recent torrential rains and heavy winds.
“In some cases, ground conditions are becoming a problem,” he said.
“Even where the harvest is complete, many farmers are struggling to bale up straw and clear fields. Crop losses will mount with each passing day and this will add to an already deepening income crisis for many growers.”
Mr Dunne said merchants and the trade must step up to the mark and support grain farmers through a fourth difficult year.
“Current grain price offers are significantly below the cost of production,” he said.
