Tillage farmers hoping for improved weather conditions for harvesting

TILLAGE farmers countrywide are hoping for improved weather conditions so that they can get on with their harvesting work.

Many crops were flattened by the heavy rain that fell in parts of the country in recent days.

But the downpours were localised rather than widespread, with the result that the majority of crops are still standing.

Harvesting was halted, however, in places hardest hit by the rain.

Winter barely has been harvested with good average yields being reported. Some winter oats have also been cut, but growers are anxious to harvest the remaining crop as soon as possible.

Winter wheat and spring barley are due for harvesting this week, but there is concern that worsening ground conditions will not be conducive to access by heavy machinery.

However, Teagasc said a couple of days sunshine and a fresh breeze would dry up the ground quickly.

This week is seen as a critical one for the harvest generally, and there is a clear need for improved weather.

Deteriorating ground conditions are a real concern as these are not conducive to the movement of heavy machines.

Met Éireann yesterday warned that between 25 and 50mm could fall in parts of the country overnight and today.

The dismantling of the tented village, which had been erected for Tullamore Show — cancelled at the weekend for the second successive year because of the weather — continued yesterday.

Chairman Tom Maher said the condition of the car parks, the possibility of not being able to unload the livestock from heavy lorries and the danger which could be posed by the conditions to the horse jumping events, had forced the cancellation.

The organisers, who have been overwhelmed with messages of solidarity from all over the country, will shortly review the impact of the cancellation of the country’s largest agricultural show — which incorporates the AIB national livestock show.