Bad weather puts €150m crops at risk

AS heavy rain lashed the country yesterday, it was revealed that less than two-thirds of the harvest has been gathered and that crops worth €150 million will be at risk if the weather does not improve.

The deterioration in ground conditions is proving very frustrating for tillage farmers, the Irish Farmers Association disclosed.

Grain Committee chairman, Colum McDonnell, said tillage farmers have experienced the most difficult situation since the mid-80s and are becoming increasingly anxious about the remainder of the harvest.

In the north-east and midlands only 50% of the harvest is in.

Winter wheat is the predominant crop in north Kildare, Meath, Dublin and Louth.

Persistent rainfall, high grain moistures and poor trafficability have limited harvesting opportunities in the last three weeks.

The south and south east has seen the most progress, with over 70% of the harvest complete.

Mr McDonnell said every day the crop is in the ground there is a loss in yield. Crops are overripe and prone to sprouting and straw breakdown.

The excessive moisture levels and the poor ground conditions have dramatically slowed down the harvest throughput.

“At a time when the harvest should be coming to a close, growers are hoping for a week of sunshine to finish. We are looking at a salvage situation in some areas and serious financial implications for growers. An advance on the single farm payment would help to alleviate cash-flow difficulties,” Mr McDonnell said.