Dry summer cuts Irish cereal harvest significantly
Teagasc has reported a sharp fall in grain output after a smaller planted area and challenging growing conditions. Potato growers also faced yield and quality pressures, while regional weather patterns shaped the experience of farmers across the country.
Ireland’s cereal production fell by 11% in 2026, from 2.162 million tonnes in 2025 to 1.997 million tonnes, according to the Teagasc Harvest report. A smaller planted area and summer drought contributed to the decline.
Dry conditions in June and July and higher temperatures from May to July hit yields. Although drought peaked in August, most crops had already been harvested. Light soils in the midlands and southeast suffered most, while heavier soils in the northeast fared better. Donegal had adequate summer rain, but wet weather in August and September made harvesting difficult.
Dry conditions elsewhere generally made harvesting easier, with grain moisture below 20% and little drying needed. Potato crops suffered in badly affected areas, though irrigation helped some growers. Rain later brought recovery, but reduced dry matter and maturity, delaying some harvests.
Teagasc crops knowledge transfer head Michael Hennessy said extreme weather, poor markets and prices would have “a significant impact on the income of many tillage farms”.
Potato specialist Shay Phelan said adequate water supply and capacity were becoming essential, particularly for pre-pack and salad crops. Tillage specialist Ciaran Collins said winter wet weather limited southern winter barley and farmers would need to adapt to become more resilient.