An onslaught of rain in February has scuppered spring plans across all but a handful of farms. The west has been worst affected, with extensive flooding in the Shannon catchment area. Newport in Co Mayo recorded the highest rainfall total of any Met Éireann station at 343mm, over twice its average and its highest total in 60 years.

The station which recorded the highest amount of rain in one day was Knock Airport when 51.5mm fell on 8 February

Claremorris also recorded its wettest ever February, breaking a 74-year record, with 286mm of rain. In the last seven days alone, 61mm fell.

The station which recorded the highest amount of rain in one day was Knock Airport when 51.5mm fell on 8 February, 50% of the normal monthly total.

The wet weather has not been confined to the west though. Gurteen in Co Tipperary recorded 220mm, over three times its average. Ballyhaise in Co Cavan received 213mm, almost three times the average and Carlow, which normally receives less than 60mm, recorded 173mm.

Field work

For farmers it has meant serious disruption. Dairy farms continue to fall behind on their spring rotation with ground untrafficable.

Shed capacity has been tested to the limit for those lambing as ground is too wet for turnout. Slurry tanks are also a growing concern.

Most farmers in Donegal are used to a long winter but the sheep farmers who lamb earlier are struggling to get lambs out

Seamus Campbell, a Teagasc adviser in Donegal, said the biggest pinch points were for those lambing and in yards where tanks were filling up.

“Most farmers in Donegal are used to a long winter but the sheep farmers who lamb earlier are struggling to get lambs out and where they are there’s been very little growth,” Campbell said.

There is no issue with fodder but normally a few loads would have been spread in February

“Filling tanks for cattle men are a big problem. They have to get slurry out in the next few weeks.

“There is no issue with fodder but normally a few loads would have been spread in February.”

Positively, March has had a drier start and Met Éireann is forecasting more settled weather in the coming days.

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