Dairygold will pay €143 per tonne for barley in 2019. The Munster co-op has finalised its prices for the year, and it is at the top of the market. The barley price includes a €5/t premium based on minimum purchase terms.

The wheat price is €150/t (€145 + €5), which leaves a €7/t differential between wheat and barley.

Below market rate

This may disappoint wheat growers, as the margin in markets is better than that. Malting barley is making €186/t, inclusive of bonus. Oats are making €137/t. Contracted beans are getting a price of €210/t, with non-contract bneans fetching €10/t less.

All prices above are inclusive of the €5/t bonus and are at 20% moisture.

Dairygold is paying €355/t for oilseed rape at 9% moisture. While the total barley price is only €2/t ahead of Glanbia's, the big difference is in the base price. Dairygold is paying a base of €138/t with a €5/t top-up, which is €10/t clear of the Glanbia base.