Farming organisations note relative increase in 2026 grain prices
Both the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) and Irish Grain Growers’ Group (IGGG) have noted the year-on-year increase in 2026 grain prices.
Centenary Thurles is the first grain merchant out of the traps with a price equivalent for Harvest 2026 feed barley. The co-op is offering a headline price of €225/t, plus transport and VAT.
IFA National Grain Committee chairperson, John Murphy, said that the price did reflect the current state of world markets.
He said: "While all tillage farmers would like grain prices to be higher, the prices announced today are reflective of the recent improvement in global grain markets.
"Regrettably, this price still won’t be enough to cover the huge cost increases at farm level.
“The IFA Grain Committee would call on all other grain merchants and co-operatives to come out and at least match these base prices over the coming weeks."
According to Murphy, Ireland’s tillage sector remains under extreme economic pressure, with moderate grain yields, rocketing machinery costs and stubbornly high fertiliser prices all contributing.
He said: "Many growers will be seriously considering whether to plant cereals or not over the coming weeks.
"IFA strongly believes government support remains essential in ensuring the tillage sector survives this prolonged period of very low returns," Murphy added.
The IGGG has also noted the prices confirmed by Centenary Thurles.
However, a spokesperson for the organisation pointed out that this year’s improvement in farm gate returns in no way reflects the very strong input costs rises that have impacted on all tillage farms throughout the 2025/26 growing season.
“It will be interesting to see how this feed barley announcement impacts on malting barley prices, which should be confirmed over the coming days.”
The full breakdown of Centenary Thurles headline grain prices are: feed barley at €225/t; feed wheat at €237/t; and oats at €220/t.
Harvest prices are inclusive of a full bonus of up to €9/t.
According to the co-op, Harvest 2026 has delivered a solid intake of barley, alongside oats, wheat, rye and beans from growers across the region.
Total intake is just over 3% behind the previous year. The quality of grain received has been strong and has provided an "excellent foundation" for Centenary's feed manufacturing and specialised non-GMO programme in Ballyduff.
Commenting on the announcement, Centenary Thurles Chairperson Paddy Daly said:
"Our tillage growers are an essential part of the Centenary Thurles family and the wider agri-food industry.
“Despite continuing uncertainty in grain markets, we are pleased to announce a grain price that reflects current market realities while recognising the importance of rewarding our growers for their commitment, quality and loyalty."
He added: "The value of Irish-grown grain extends well beyond the farm gate. By sourcing exclusively local grains, we strengthen regional supply chains, reduce dependence on imports and ensure that the economic value generated remains within rural communities."
Looking ahead
Centenary Thurles pointed out that feed ingredient markets remain dynamic and will continue to be monitored closely in the months ahead.
The co-op said that the proposed Harvest 2026 pricing provides a "fair and competitive return" to growers whilst enabling the organisation to maintain the strong local grain supply which "underpins its feed business".
