The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) has expressed deep disappointment at the initial prices published for barley, wheat, oats and oilseed rape, harvested over recent weeks.

Quinns of Baltinglass has confirmed a green feed barley price of €190/t with an additional €20/t available for Amity assembled deliveries.

IGGG chair Bobby Miller, commented:

“Barley prices coming below €200/t are deeply disconcerting for growers. These prices take no account, whatsoever, of the challenges that have faced tillage farmers in Ireland over the past 12 months.

“The Quinn operation is part of the Acorn group, one of Ireland’s largest grain procurement businesses.

“So, it’s highly unlikely that the prices offered by the other merchants will differ a lot, if any, from those published today.”

The co-ops are the other main buyers of grain from Irish tillage farmers, and it’s in this context that Miller is hoping for leadership to be shown, where 2024 cereal pricing is concerned.

IGGG

The IGGG has repeatedly asked for the co-ops to reflect the needs of tillage farmers, given the recognition that was given to dairy farmers and the milk price commitment made to them.

“The co-ops must show leadership in this regard”, Miller added.

In addition to feed barley, Quinns of Baltinglass has also published its harvest prices for feed wheat, feed oats and oilseed rape. They are: €200, €195 and €442/t respectively.

The barley and wheat prices are based on a moisture content of 20%, oats at 18% and oilseed rape at 9%.