Damp squib spring set to continue

FARMERS along with the rest of the public are struggling to stay positive as one of the wettest springs on record looks set to continue.

Met Éireann forecaster Pat Clarke said the first 18 days of May were about one-and-a-half to two times wetter than normal for this time of year.

“We have had very heavy downpours that have affected all parts of the country. It is the type of weather we had in July and August of last year, and it’s not normally expected this time of year,” he said.

Mr Clarke also warned things were not going to improve much in the coming days, with unsettled weather expected to continue for the next week or so.

However, there is a morsel of good news for people looking eagerly skyward for signs of better weather as the showers are expected to lessen in intensity in the coming days.

Met Éireann also advised people not to read anything into a wet May giving any indication of how the rest of the summer will fare weather wise.

“There is nothing to be read into the summer, despite the various rhymes in folklore. Other national forecasters are saying that Europe is expected to be drier than normal. I know the British Met Office are plugging that, but you can have quite a lot of variation across Europe,” said Mr Clarke.

The deplorable weather is also adding to the economic woes on farms.

Following the abnormally wet spring, Irish Farmers’ Association president Pádraig Walshe said livestock and tillage farmers are struggling to cope with very difficult ground conditions, which are adding to their costs and workload.

Mr Walshe said many farmers who already have problems with cash flow are finding the situation exacerbated as they are forced into buying feed as a result of poor ground conditions and low grass growth.

“Livestock farmers in this position should take a serious look at the benefits of the plentiful supply of native-grown barley in store as it represents excellent value for money relative to other options,” he said.

Mr Walshe encouraged merchants, co-ops and banks to be mindful of the difficult conditions that exist and facilitate farmers in ensuring adequate cash flow is available to get through this difficult period. He said there had been a 7% increase in applications for farm assist since the beginning of the year.

Mr Walshe said the increase reflected the severe income difficulties farmers are facing because of poor weather, falling prices, budget cuts and delays in some direct payments

“I would advise any farmer who is experiencing cash flow problems to enquire about their eligibility as Farm Assist can be very helpful in supporting household expenditure when incomes are at a low level,” he said.