Good August Weather has Eased Problems in Farming - Teagasc Report

Farming in dry land areas has benefited substantially from the improved August weather but significant problems remain in the more difficult farming areas, according to the latest Teagasc report on the impact of the weather on farming.

The report, which is based on an assessment by Teagasc advisers of farming conditions nationwide up to the end of August, shows a big improvement in grass growth and winter feed supply.

However, the wetter parts of the country particularly in the west, north west and south west, have still not recovered from the unprecedented bad weather up to the end of July. Serious problems still exist in these areas with grass growth and winter feed supply. These farmers will be the focus of a special Teagasc advisory campaign over the coming weeks.

The report states that the quality of silage made during August is on a par with previous years. However, the poor quality of silage and hay made earlier in the summer is well down on normal. This will result in additional costs to farmers next winter.

The improved conditions have resulted in better milk yields and improved performance of cattle and sheep, except in the more severely effected wetland areas. As a result, the level of meal feeding to stock has been reduced substantially from the unprecedented high levels which farmers were forced to feed in June and July.

While animal performance on grass has returned to normal in the better farming areas, overall performance of cattle and sheep during the past four months is back up to 20% on normal year levels.

In dairy farming, the report states that milk yields at the end of August have also returned to normal levels. However, dairy farmers have incurred substantial additional costs during the peak milk production months of May, June and July.

According to the report, vegetable crops have progressed well during August. However, there are some shortages of home-produced produce because of poor planting and growing conditions in the May to July period. The improved weather came too late for fruit, apple and nursery stock growers, all of whom had a difficult year.

The report says that potato crops have improved substantially. Overall, potato yields are expected to be down by between 10% and 30%. The better August weather has been a big help to sugar beet, with crops now performing close to normal.

For the full report, click here

A detailed report on the cereals harvest will be issued by the Teagasc Tillage Advisory Service, tomorrow (Thursday, 4 September)