Boortmalt has offered Stradbally Town and Country (STC) contract for just 15% of last year’s acreage.

The maltster completely cut the merchant’s contract a number of weeks ago. STC responded to Boortmalt to say this is not viable as it would not provide contract to its current growers.

STC said it will continue to try and resolve the issue and will look for more contract for its growers.

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Meanwhile, another merchant has moved into the area offering growers contracts for delivery to Athy, Co Kildare – 14km away from their current intake.

In a text to growers, STC said: “We have made an extremely generous offer to them [Boortmalt] on your behalf and are awaiting a response.

“Our priority is and always has been to maintain an intake in Stradbally for all our customers.

“Please bear with us as we press for a resolution, but the ball is firmly in Boortmalt’s court.”

In the meantime, growers reported frustration as Dalton’s Chancellors Mills of Kilkenny phoned them offering contracts of 2.7t/ac.

Growers queried where Dalton’s acquired their details and how they knew they supplied STC. Many did not accept the offer. Laois IFA chair Henry Burns said IFA met with Boortmalt to try find a resolution.

“Disappointingly, growers have been approached this week by another merchant without communication with IFA. I have now pressed Boortmalt to clarify the situation.

“Whatever the outcome, all STC growers have to have the same opportunity to supply malting barley,” Burns said.