The oats harvest got under way last week and by Friday, a number of crops were being cut, but a large amount were being harvested on Monday of this week.

On Monday, the Irish Farmers Journal identified farmers cutting in different parts of the country, who all had the crops in for chopping, but had no notice on whether they were accepted into the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) or not.

The farmers were chopping the straw. However, they had no confirmation of being accepted into the scheme.

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There are really three scenarios for the farmers:

  • Chop and hopefully the money comes in for the scheme.
  • Don’t chop and try to sell the straw, but then find out the money will be paid for the SIM.
  • Or don’t chop, try to sell the straw and find out the money is not being paid out.

    • Department statement

    On Monday, the Department of Agriculture told the Irish Farmers Journal: “Minister Heydon is acutely aware how important SIM is to tillage farmers, that harvest is progressing rapidly and also the importance of farmers having certainty.

    "At present, all possible options are being considered and a decision will be made shortly with notifications to farmers following immediately.”

    This was similar to what he said in response to a parliamentary question from Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan.

    This continues to leave farmers in the dark, as they chop straw that they entered into the scheme.

    Some 5,202ha of winter barley straw were entered into the SIM this year and 8,337ha of winter oats.

    The winter barley harvest is complete on many farms, while it does still have to start in later areas.

    The winter oats harvest is well under way. Oilseed rape will be the next crop to go under the knife for many and spring barley is coming in quickly.

    Comment

    Surely, at this stage, the SIM money has to be paid out. If farmers have been left without notice, they cannot be punished for implementing the rules of a measure they signed up to.

    No one can tell a farmer to chop or not – only the Department of Agriculture – but what are farmers supposed to do?

    If you were sitting on a combine today and had your oats in the SIM, what would you do?

    I think most are assuming if they have heard nothing, they assume things are as they were.

    Hopefully, they are not told in a few weeks that they will not be paid for chopping that straw.

    The Minister needs to make an announcement as soon as possible.