The 2026 forage maize harvest is now complete, with only very small parcels of land left to be cut in parts of the country.

Maizetech’s John Foley is confirming that yields topped 20t/ac fresh weight, particularly in areas where heavier soils predominate.

He added: “The drought did impact yields in parts of the south-east where soils are that little bit lighter.

“But even here overall yields were coming in at around 18t/ac.

“We haven’t had the results back as yet for maize samples sent in for analysis.

It has been estimated that 60,000ac of maize were grown in Ireland this year.

Foley again: “That’s up 10% on 2025. And there is very prospect of the area figure for the crop growing again in 2027.”

The experience gained in 2026 confirms that maize crops, particularly those grown on slightly heavier soils where root growth is not restricted, will perform well in dry, warm conditions.

Moreover, the high levels of crop performance achieved this year were secured on the back of what could only be described as a very challenging period of weather, post-planting.

The first three weeks of May were very cool and wet across most of the country.

Beet and potatoes

With the maize season now in the rearview mirror, this now leaves fodder beet and potatoes as the last crop of note to be harvested in 2026.

Both had been impacted significantly by the drought conditions of July and August.

However, the recent rains have boosted crops rates, with growers reporting that final yields may not be as disappointing as have previously been predicted.

Forage maize and beet stocks will help those dairy and beef farmers whose own grass silage stocks have been seriously deleted get through the coming winter months.

Meanwhile, potato growers are looking at the prospect of reasonable yields against the backdrop of potential potato shortages in the UK and mainland Europe.

So it will be interesting to see how markets react to these trends over the coming weeks and months.

But there has been one universal upside to harvest 2026: the excellent ground conditions that have allowed all field operations to take place in a stress-free manner.

And with the weather continuing to play its part, the prospect of getting winter wheat planted after crops of beet and potatoes remains a very real one.