Harvest may be most difficult since 1985

Some grain crops were harvested last weekend at nearly 30% moisture.

When this is dried down to 15% for storage, the grower might net about €150 per acre, but inputs and land rental costs can be as high as €600 (€500 on owned land).

Sources in IFA believe the harvest may be the worst for farmers since 1985, in terms of financial loss, with low grain sales leaving them unable to clear merchant or co-ops bills.