Glanbia and Dairygold release harvest 2016 grain prices

Both Glanbia and Dairygold have finalised their 2016 grain prices this week for their suppliers.

Glanbia has taken in over 190,000t of grain during harvest 2016, making the co-op the largest buyer and user of native Irish grain, according to Glanbia Chairman Henry Corbally.

Glanbia fully appreciates the challenging situation facing Irish grain growers in the fourth successive year of weak global grain markets, he said.

The co-ops aim for the past number of years was to move grain into more specialised markets and therefore increasing the price, the Chairman said.

“Our strategy for a number of years has been to move as much grain as possible out of commodity markets and into premium niche categories.

“Over 40% of our total intake now attracts some level of premium or bonus; this is worth around €2m in total to growers compared to the equivalent non-contracted grains.

“This is a far higher proportion of overall grain contracted than any other merchant in the country.”

Glanbia prices for 2016 harvest crops (Prices quoted exclude VAT)

Measures to Support Member Growers

In order to assist growers, the Board of Glanbia Co-operative Society has confirmed a number of measures to support member growers:

The Board has allocated €5m for grain growers who wish to participate in the Glanbia Advance Payment (GAP) Scheme. This voluntary five-year Scheme offers interest free cashflow support of €20/t to Glanbia member suppliers.
In light of the very challenging year for growers, the Board has decided to double the level of Co-op support for members from last year to €10/t.
As part of the 2016 Member Support Package, grain grower members will be paid a rebate of €7/t on all fertilizer purchases from Glanbia.

Glanbia also offers growers the opportunity to contract ‘dry and store’ their grain using Glanbia grain handling facilities.

This allows growers to participate in gains from future market improvements, should that occur.

Dairygold Cereal Prices

Meanwhile, Dairygold has also finalised its 2016 harvest cereal prices this week.

The society has demonstrated its support for and commitment to its cereal growers by paying leading prices, according to Dairygold.

There will be quality adjustments as per cereal purchasing terms and conditions for barley, wheat, oats and contracted malting barley, the co-op said.

Prices include a premium based on minimum purchase terms.