Weather threatens harvest yield

WEATHER conditions are likely to reduce this year’s harvest yield by 10% to 15%, the Irish Farmers Association forecast yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan has, meanwhile, approved the immediate use of set-aside lands for animal feed purposes to ease the impact of the wet weather on farming. She said her decision will enable farmers to use set-aside lands now for the grazing of their animals or for the production of a forage crop.

This will greatly assist the farmers involved to address fodder problems brought on by the rainfall levels over several weeks, she said.

IFA Grain Committee chairman Colum McDonnell said tillage farmers are frustrated because they have had the wrong weather at the wrong time. The unusually high temperatures in April and the wet, cold weather over the last six weeks have conspired to leave crops in a poorer condition and will reduce potential yield.

Mr McDonnell said the irony is that world markets are stronger than they have been for some time. World grain prices are up 50% on this time last year, but farmers will not be in a position to capitalise because yields will be back.

ICSA Rural Development Committee chairman John Flynn said the wet weather could bring fierce hardships.

There had been very little silage made in Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Longford particularly, and in varying degrees around the country.

The rain and high winds are also interfering with the construction of farm buildings, which are vital if farmers are to implement the nitrates directive on time.