Ireland Grain Prices Fail to Offset Lower Yields, Higher Costs

Grain prices in Ireland increased by around €20 per ton year-over-year, but this was not enough to offset lower yields and higher production costs for farmers in the 2026 season.

According to preliminary analysis by Teagasc, weak crop performance was the main factor behind tighter margins for grain growers. Yields varied significantly by crop and region, with drought being the main negative factor affecting production.

Winter barley was particularly hard hit by the lack of moisture, while spring barley yields were highly variable, with some crops performing reasonably well and others producing significantly lower yields.

However, winter oilseed rape remains one of the more profitable crops for Irish growers, thanks to strong prices supporting margins despite only moderate yields. The expansion of oilseed rape area may be constrained by crop rotation requirements, however.