Higher grain prices failed to offset low yields in Ireland

Grain prices in Ireland rose by around €20/t year-on-year, but this was not enough to offset lower yields and higher production costs in the 2026 season. According to preliminary analysis by Teagasc, weak crop performance was the main factor behind tighter margins for grain growers.

Farm economics were also pressured by higher costs for fertilizer, fuel and labour. Yields varied significantly by crop and region, while drought was the main negative factor affecting production.

Winter barley was hit particularly hard by the lack of moisture. Spring barley yields were also highly variable: some crops performed reasonably well, while others produced significantly lower yields.

Against this backdrop, winter oilseed rape remains one of the more profitable crops for Irish growers. Although yields in 2026 were only moderate, strong prices supported margins. Further expansion of oilseed rape area, however, may be constrained by crop rotation requirements.

Farmers have already started planting winter cereals for the 2027 harvest, but early sowing brings additional risks and costs, including Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV), weed pressure and lodging risk. Teagasc stressed that the 2026 season once again showed that yield remains the key driver of crop profitability.

Tags: grain, prices, Ireland