Improved Forward Prices Called For at Malting Barley Growers Meeting 

IFA held a National Malting Barley Growers meeting in Co. Carlow last night, Monday, March 10th.

The meeting was chaired by IFA Grain Chair Kieran McEvoy, and addressed by Boortmalt Managing Director for UK & Ireland Stuart Sands and Boortmalt Barley Procurement Manager for UK & Ireland Jonathan Roberts.

The meeting was also addressed by Shay Phelan Tillage Specialist from Teagasc who provided a topical update on agronomy issues for spring barley growers to be aware of this spring.

“On the night, malting barley growers outlined frustration at the €230/t forward offer which was described by several as unviable in 2025 when land rental and machinery costs are factored in,” Kieran McEvoy said.

“Growers also expressed frustration at the late announcement of contract cuts this spring and particularly over the unfair reductions imposed on some merchants in the supply chain.”

“Any adjustments in malting barley contracts must be implemented in a fair and uniform way for farmers,” he added.

Boortmalt representatives announced that the FOB Creil pricing mechanism, so critical to the viability of the Irish malting barley sector, would remain in place and that another forward offer would be made in the coming days.

“They were left under no illusion that a higher price is needed this time round,” Kieran McEvoy concluded.