Pressure mounts on tillage farmers as Irish grain prices disappoint
Harvest 2026 grain prices are failing to deliver an adequate margin for extremely hard-hit Irish tillage farmers.
This is the strongly held view that has been expressed by both the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) in the wake of Tirlán announcing its latest grain and oilseed price schedule.
IFA national grain chair, John Murphy recognised that world grain markets have come under pressure over recent weeks.
However, it is the rocketing price of inputs and labour that he believes is putting extreme pressure on crops margins at the present time.
Murphy explained: “It’s important that grain buyers and feed compounders here prioritise the use of Irish grain in the rations that they produce.
“But the politicians must also deliver. Budget day is in a week’s time.
"IFA is calling on the government to commit to a €68 million support package for that tillage sector given the outcome of such a poor harvest this year.”
Meanwhile, IGGG has expressed disappointment at the grain prices published by Tirlán yesterday (September 29)
The organisation’s secretary Clive Carter commented: “The savings incurred Tirlán on drying costs this year would have provided the scope to put another €10/t on grain prices.
"This would have brought the barley and wheat price up to €230 and €240/t.
“At that level of return, growers would have some hope of making ends meet over the coming months.”
Carter also discussed the level of support co-ops had provided for dairy farmers during the drought.
He said: "We believe the price announcement today from one of the largest co-ops is not reflective of the important role meal feeding is in the production of milk.
“Tirlán are very supportive of making sure their milk supplier dairy farmers keep milk production at as high a level as possible when fodder is scarce or weather events take over.
“This is shown by the supports given of up to €40/t to purchase meal at times this year alone."
IGGG is also calling on government to deliver a significant support package for the tillage sector in Budget 2027.
Carter added: “Under current circumstances, many grain growers will have difficulty paying their bills over the coming months.
“And looking further ahead, the pressure on margins shows no sign of abating."
He said that such circumstances will leave tillage farmer with "no option but to consider all measures that will reduce costs".
“These include the option of taking potash and phosphate holidays," Carter said.
