The heavy rainfall in recent weeks has slowed field work significantly, with tillage farmers worst affected. Grassland farmers are in a pretty good position following a strong year for grass growth, which is presenting more opportunities for reseeding to take place.

With silage by and large out of the way, it is also presenting an ideal opportunity to apply lime and rectify soil nutrient deficiencies. With this in mind, the Irish Farmers Journal carried out a regional lime price survey this week.

The overwhelming message being returned from those in the industry is that lime remains excellent value for money, with prices remaining constant in recent years.

There is little variation between the cost of lime nationwide, with costs averaging in the region of €19/t to €21/ delivered and €24/ to €26/t applied.

As with any input, there is variation. In the case of lime, factors that have a significant effect and can alter price to the tune of €1/t to €3/t are the volume purchased, distance from the supplier and, in terms of spreading, the volume applied per acre or hectare and how straightforward spreading is.

Regional round-up

Speaking to a lime-spreading contractor in Co Cavan, he said: “Cost per tonne varies depending on the location, with prices of ground limestone beginning at €17/t delivered and €22/t delivered and spread.

“Not a lot of lime is moving at the moment. Some farmers may purchase lime towards the end of the growing season. However, farmers are holding back, as they don’t want to spend money they don’t have,” he added.

These comments refer to calcium-based lime.

East

A limestone and aggregates supplier noted that “prices of lime haven’t increased in around 30 years in contrast to fertiliser prices”.

Prices of ground limestone begin at €15/t collected at the yard, €20/t delivered to the farmer, with an extra cost of €5/t plus VAT for spreading.

The supplier also added that a few farmers collect lime directly from the yard but nearly all lime is delivered.

In relation to sales at present, the supplier said: “Lime sales are weather-dependant. It’s a seasonal product by nature. Farmers will be applying more lime towards the end of the year weather-permitting.”

South

A limestone supplier in dairy heartland said: “A considerable amount of lime is moving at the moment. A hike in sales is expected within the next two weeks as farmers undertake autumn reseeding.”

In relation to prices, the supplier has noticed that “prices are up €0.50 to €1/t compared with 12 months ago. However, they have remained static over the past few months.”

The Cork supplier noted that “young farmers are beginning to realise the benefits of spreading lime and are utilising it more efficiently – it is crucial to soil health”.

West

A limestone and aggregates supplier in the west indicated that prices are very similar to those of two months ago, quoting average prices of €19/t delivered and €25/t delivered and spread. Both prices were based on a 25-mile radius for delivery.

According to the supplier: “Teagasc is now placing a huge emphasis on the importance of ensuring the correct soil pH. We hope to see a rise in sales coming towards the end of the growing year.”

Granulated lime

The prices stated above apply to ground limestone. However, some farmers opt to spread the more expensive granulated lime on their ground.

There is more variation in the prices of granulated lime delivered, with prices ranging from €150 to €185/t.

Some merchants quoting the higher price commented that they do not trade high volumes and stock it as a service to their customers. Granulated lime is considerably different to ground limestone, as it is 100% available to the soil once applied. Ground limestone works over a period of two to three years and is generally available one third in year one, another third in year two and the balance in year three.