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This week, we reveal another of the many problems associated with this year’s unusual spring weather patterns. On page 39, Andy Doyle reports on how some combination of cold conditions, growth regulator application and the development stage of individual stems, appears to have badly affected some crops of winter-sown spring oats.
This freakish occurrence has left the bulk of these crops heading out at 8in to 10in tall. And the ears that are emerging are small and damaged and one cannot be very hopeful for grain fill. This will represent a serious loss of yield which should not arise following the application of any input.
While this is really a symptom of the very challenging spring, it also points to a lack of understanding as to the additional sensitivity that is inevitable in crop varieties that are sown out of season. While research could never hope to unravel the complexities of what happened, issues like these emphasise the importance of research and the vulnerability of growers to such events.
These growers now face considerable loss in these affected crops, which may also hit supply chains like milling and gluten-free oats. The lesson must be to avoid the use of growth regulators during prolonged periods of cold conditions.
Last week, when Meat and Livestock Australia gave evidence to the UK House of Lords international agreements committee, it confirmed the worst fears of Irish farmers. It made clear that it wasn’t British beef or lamb it was looking to displace but other imported product. With Ireland supplying almost 80% of UK beef imports in 2020, that makes Irish beef Australia’s top target in the British market after it secures the trade deal.
There is no doubt that Bord Bia’s strategy of relying on the British consumers’ commitment to suitability credentials of Irish beef and lamb to protect market share in Britain is now going to be severely tested. While farmers can hope for the best, Government must plan for the worst. The Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund must be ring-fenced to protect the income of beef and sheep farmers in the years ahead.
With drier conditions forecast, there is the strong temptation to take shortcuts to make up lost ground on farms. Unfortunately, we have too many statistics showing the tragic outcome of shortcuts. This will only be prevented through a zero-tolerance approach that instead of turning a blind eye sees poor farm safety practice called out.
When contractors arrive, safety risks on the farm should be pointed out and children should be kept away. Viewing machines in operation should be done from a safe space and under supervision. Let’s work together to ensure we remember the silage harvest of 2021 for the wet May and not another farm tragedy.
The Ornua PPI Index, the Global Dairy Trade index and Bord Bia market intelligence all identify significant scope for milk prices to increase. Yet it is not being reflected in the price being paid to farmers.
April was clearly a lost opportunity. But surely May milk prices need to move to better reflect the market and make up some of the deficit that has developed over the first four months.
Nobody is looking for more than their fair share and while investment must be paid back, it can’t be at the expense of the livelihood of milk suppliers.
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