Tillage growers face tough situation

Dreadful weather and high costs have left many specialist tillage growers facing a tough financial situation.

That was the message from the Irish Farmers Association at the National Ploughing Championships in Heathpark yesterday.

Grain committee chairman Noel Delany!! said many growers face significant financial losses this year as weather took a huge toll on crop yields.

“It has been one of the most challenging harvests on record as yields for the majority of tillage crops have come in significantly below the five-year average and farmers had to contend with substantially increased fuel and fertiliser costs.

“The difficult circumstances highlight the importance of the single farm payment in providing an income for these farm families as they cope with adverse conditions,” he said.

Mr Delany urged merchants and co-ops to facilitate the rollover of credit/supply contracts where growers have difficulties because of the exceptionally bad weather.

“We also need to see a reduction in penalties without compromising overall product quality,” he said.

Mr Delany said while weather turned to allow growers to gather in the harvest, production was well back on last season, with wheat crops taking the biggest hit.

Winter wheat yields are back on average by 1.2t/acre or almost 30%, and in some extreme cases up to 50%.

“Crops in the South and South-East in particular were extremely badly affected with 1many winter wheat crops struggling to achieve 2t/acre compared to four tonnes-plus last harvest.

“Both winter and spring barley fared better. However, spring barley yields are back by on average 0.5t/acre.”

Mr Delany said unfortunately some growers may face significant financial exposure as the extremely low yields have failed to cover out grain forward sold on contract.

“It is vital that the trade works with these growers so that they can pull through what has been one of the wettest years in living memory,” he said.