Having bought an irrigator for the first time last year, we are now the proud owner of two irrigators, both of which are at maximum output at the moment to keep crop watered.

In Waterford, we are lucky to have a small stream that has just enough flow to keep the small irrigator fed at low engine RPMs, while in Carlow the irrigator is drawing from the River Barrow and is keeping the dust down.

Irrigating is a satisfying job. You can see the plants visibly respond to the water but it is a pretty unsociable task also. John, my father, has had the unenviable task of keeping the irrigators going for the last while and, aside from the unsociable hours, has encountered a few pipe blow offs resulting in a good drenching. Playing chicken with a rain gun as it arcs over and back can end in tears also.

Crops in general are looking pretty good, and - a new phenomenon - cows have added a bit of life around the farm. We will have approx. 170 acres of grass for forage and grazing this year which is an odd position for us to be in but it fits with the rotation and the need to give some ground a break.

Currently there are 30 heifers on farm with plans for further 30 or so to come. The grass could also do with a good drop of water but its holding up ok for a reseed.

With dry weather forecast for the foreseeable future it looks like we will be watering for another while yet as carrots and parsnips, unlike spuds, have their highest water demand in August when the crop is bulking hard.

A 25mm, man-made, rain shower once a week until we get sufficient rain should keep things ticking over nicely.