Malting Barley Fixed Price Offer – IFA Reaction

Commenting on the announcement of the first fixed price offer for growers in the Boortmalt supply chain network, IFA Grain Chair John Murphy said while the price remains lower than previous fixed price offers over the past four years, the recovery in the malting premium over Irish feed barley will give growers some degree of encouragement ahead of planting season.

“Owing to the sharp decline in FOB Creil prices throughout 2025, the final harvest price finished only €18-20/t above feed. However, this first price offer for harvest 2026 is probably closer to €40/t higher than current quotes,” John Murphy said.

Additionally, FOB Creil futures for harvest 2026 have started to move upwards in recent days according to reports seen by IFA.

Much of this relates to heavy rainfall across much of France which is delaying sowing of spring malting barley which typically takes place in early to mid-February.

“If this price is the lowest that growers take this harvest, it won’t be the worst outcome,” John Murphy concluded.