Soaring costs and falling incomes pile the pressure on farmers

The ICMSA estimates that average farm input costs have risen by 10pc but Mr McCormack said the “volumes involved are the critical issue” and have led “to a massive increase in costs” on some farms.

“We need to broaden the picture here in terms of the fallout from the drought and fodder shortage.

“The southern half of the coun- try is the worst affected at this stage and the Minister should introduce a fodder transport scheme like the one he introduced last Spring.

“Any surplus fodder in the northern half of the country could be brought south at a reasonable price level. Farmers need every support to boost fodder levels and a national scheme should form part of this response,” added Mr McCormack.

On the tillage front, Carlow-based consultant, Pat Minnock, said that crop yields have improved slightly in recent weeks, but some grain intakes are still down 30pc on 2017.

“Some of the later yields of spring barley did improve — with some 1.6-2.1t/ac — but these are well down on 2017 where we had 2.6-3.4t/ac.

“There is some consolation, however, as while yields are down, prices are well up, including those for spring barley which are up to between €140-€220/t.”

Tillage farmers have also been able to recoup some losses with the significant increase in prices for straw, in some cases treble on 2017.

However, fertiliser prices continue to be an issue across the board with prices predicted to rise by up to €20 a tonne after Yara increased wholesale prices for CAN.

The IFA is campaigning in Brussels for the suspension of customs tariffs.

“Our campaign is ongoing and we want to see these tariffs reduced considerably,” said John Coughlan.

Meanwhile, there is some positive news for dairy farmers as there are strong indications this week that August milk prices will rise on the back of falling supplies in some key European markets.