And you have to try Ben’s Lockdown Loaf — a real workhorse loaf inspired by the large loaf his grandfather would buy once a week to feed himself for the next seven days

A 100-strong group of protesting barley growers yesterday accused barley grain importers and brokers of destroying their livelihoods by pricing them out of the barley grain market. Around 140 farmers took part in a surprise protest at the importation of dry barley grain from vessels docked at Foynes port, Co Limerick.

Winter barley is likely to be severely damaged if under water for more than a couple of days, warned Teagasc advisers last week.

Virtually no harvest progress was made last week, leaving 50%-80% of grain unharvested nationwide, depending on location, according to growers.