Teagasc Weather Impact Update

Crops

The last few days have seen an improvement in the harvesting of crops especially in the south of the country. Approximately 40 to 45% of harvesting has been completed compared to 85% in a normal year. The midlands and the north east are further behind than the rest of the country. Wheat is typically being harvested at 21 to 27 % moisture content which is higher than in a normal year. Barley is being harvested at 19 to 20% moisture content. Ground conditions are difficult for harvesting in most areas.

Potato Event Postponed

The weather has taken its toll on many events this year and the up-coming Teagasc Potato 08 ‘The Quest for Quality’, which was scheduled to take place in Oak Park on Thursday next, 4 September has been postponed to allow growers catch up with tillage operations. The event will now take place in Oak Park, Carlow on Tuesday, 30 September at 2pm. The new date should allow growers who wanted to attend, an opportunity to do so

Dairying

Milk supply is down across the country, as a result of difficult grazing conditions. Grass supply will reduce much earlier than normal if current weather conditions persist. Very few crops of second cut silage have been harvested which may have implications for winter feed supplies later on.

Beef

Up to last week the problems on beef farms were not too serious, however heavy rains over the last week especially in the west could precipitate problems quite soon. This is impacting on animal performance which is not as good as in previous years.

Sheep

Stocking rates on sheep farms tend to be low so no major problem with poaching grassland. However lambs are growing at a slower rate because of lack of thrive due to high moisture grass. Present conditions may give rise to serious fluke issues later in the year.

Farm Building

There are some delays in farm building construction work under the Farm Waste Management due to high water table levels.

Farmers should contact their local Teagasc office for advice on how to address the issues arising from the poor weather conditions.