Ireland: Weather fails to dampen harvest yields

Despite the long run of wet weather, the harvest is proving to be better than expected, Independent reported August 14.

Yields and quality are back, but Professor Jimmy Burke, head of crop research at Teagasc says that, while moisture content is higher, quality and yields have not suffered too badly.

"The message should go out to farmers that things are not as bad as have been predicted.

"The harvesting of winter barley is now completed and the quality was quite good and yields are at 9.25t/ha," Prof Burke said.

"Generally, moisture content was higher than normal and the added drying costs will have to be factored in.

Meanwhile, Minch Malt has announced that it will pay €195/t (excluding VAT) at 20pc moisture for this year's malting barley harvest.

Pat Murphy of Minch Malt Ltd said it was 'a fair price' that represents an increase of €71.50/t or 58pc above last year's price.

However, the IFA have rejected the offer, claiming it is €15/t below the current export price.

"Today brokers are offering €265/t for dried malting barley FOB the east coast of Ireland.

"The French price for October has risen by €19/t in the last fortnight and moved out over €280/t as supply and availability concerns increase," IFA grain chairman Colum McDonnell said.

Dairygold and Glanbia have yet to fix prices for this years' harvest.

15 August, 2007