Harvest may be most difficult since 1985
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.
Moisture levels in some areas were so high that combine harvester drives were damaged when transferring grain to trailers. Crops have been lost in some of the worst affected areas, which include west Cork, south Wexford, and all the western counties from Co Kerry to Co Donegal. Parts of Offaly and Longford have also had weather difficulties.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has said the EU’s €500m livestock farmer rescue package announced in July currently excludes the tillage sector.
He acknowledged a problem of scarce fodder resources in some areas. In some parts of Co Leitrim, farmers say no silage has been cut.
Basic Payment Scheme advances of 70% will commence in mid-October.
Mr Creed has indicated that applicants whose payments are not fully cleared can get the advance, with any penalties taken from balancing payment.
