Ireland: Winter barley, wheat area increase in 2026

Winter barley and wheat area is estimated up, while the area of winter oats is estimated to have dropped dramatically in Ireland, The Farmers Journal reported on February 25.

The area of land planted to winter barley and winter wheat is estimated to have increased in 2026. At a workshop held by the Irish Seed Trade Association (ISTA) this week it was noted that seed sales for both crops had increased. Winter barley area is estimated up by approximately 8,000ha, which would bring the total area to about 65,500ha. Winter wheat area increased by an estimated 3,000ha. This would bring the area to almost 63,000ha.

Winter oats area has taken a dramatic drop, although it is not known by how much as some seed will be used for spring crops, but appetite for the crop dropped as Irish feed oats currently sit in storage across the country with no market.

26 February, 2026