According to figures from the Department for Agriculture in Ireland, sales of fertiliser there have fallen by 25% in the first nine months of 2022.

Unsurprisingly in the face of rapidly rising fertiliser prices, nitrogen sales fell 19%, phosphorous 31% and potassium 30%. The cut in P and K is of particular concern to soil health.

Protected urea now makes up 16% of total nitrogen sales. Farmers are being reminded that protected urea fertiliser has a shelf life before the inhibitors used to stop ammonia loss become less effective. Some products need to be used within six months of the inhibitor being applied to ensure optimal results.

Meanwhile duty free diesel for agriculture rose in price by 19p in the last three weeks to £1.18/l to £1.21/l including VAT. Ireland's largest ram sale also saw price rises, with the average up £40 to £576/head at the event at Tullamore mart last week. The 420 rams entered had a clearance rate of 87% up 3% on the year.