Weather is Having a Severe Impact on Farming, says Teagasc

Issued 10 June, 2002

The continuing wet weather is having a severe impact on farming, according to Teagasc.

Dr Tom Kelly, Development Manager with Teagasc said the current wet spell has resulted in the worst May/June in recent memory with serious implications for grass growth, silage making and cereal crops.

Dr Kelly said that silage making is at a standstill with less than 10% of the normal acreage harvested. Grass growth and grazing conditions are also severely affected and many animals have been housed due to lack of grass and poor ground conditions.

Farmers are being forced to feed meal in order to maintain milk production from dairy cows and animal performance in beef cattle.

Dr Kelly said that the current difficulties will lead to knock-on problems with grass supply later in the season. The extent of these problems is largely dependent on a rapid pick-up in the weather. Silage quality will also be significantly down due to the delay in harvesting. The wet conditions have also resulted in a major increase in the volume of silage effluent, creating additional environmental management problems for farmers.

''Farmers can expect 7,000 litres of effluent per acre of silage. As this effluent is a vicious pollutant, rigid storage and management practices are vital, said Tom Kelly.

Jim O'Mahony, Chief Tillage Adviser with Teagasc said the impact on wheat and barley crops is particularly serious.

''Cereal crops are under the highest disease pressure for two decades. Also, up to 20% of the spring barley crop is affected by waterlogging'', he said.

While there are no quick-fix solutions, Teagasc has issued the following advice:

• In order to boost grass growth, nitrogen levels should be increased and grazing systems which avoid poaching should be used.
• Dairy cows should be fed 4-5kgs of a supplement, such as citrus pulp, in order to maintain milk yield.
• Farmers should wait until grass is dry before harvesting. The use of an additive to help silage preservation is also advised.
• On severely affected farmers, beef cattle may have to be housed full-time.
• Cereal farmers should use higher rates of chemicals in order to combat disease and spring barley crops should be top-dressed with nitrogen immediately ground conditions allow.

Teagasc has urged farmers to contact their local Teagasc office for professional advice on coping with their particular problems.