Operation Salvage Harvest as bad weather continues
The harvest has turned into a salvage operation for growers with later-sown and maturing crops, according to IFA national grain committee chair Liam Dunne.
Harvesting Propino spring barley under dark skies.
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“Many growers are at their wits end, as the rapid deterioration in weather has stopped the harvest and the forecast remains bad for the week. Later-sown and later-maturing crops, particularly on heavier soils, are beginning to break down after recent torrential rains and heavy winds,” Dunne said.
“In some cases, ground conditions are becoming a problem. Even where harvest is complete, many farmers are struggling to bale up straw and clear fields,” he added.
“Crop losses will mount with each passing day and this will add to an already deepening income crisis for many growers. Merchants and the grain trade must step up to the mark and support grain farmers through a fourth difficult year as current grain price offers are significantly below the cost of production.”
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In some areas, 25% to 30% of the crops remain in the field with the west, northwest and northern part of the country being the worst affected.
With rain forecasted to fall every day for the week ahead, it looks like there will not be much of a let-up for growers at the minute.
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“Many growers are at their wits end, as the rapid deterioration in weather has stopped the harvest and the forecast remains bad for the week. Later-sown and later-maturing crops, particularly on heavier soils, are beginning to break down after recent torrential rains and heavy winds,” Dunne said.
“In some cases, ground conditions are becoming a problem. Even where harvest is complete, many farmers are struggling to bale up straw and clear fields,” he added.
“Crop losses will mount with each passing day and this will add to an already deepening income crisis for many growers. Merchants and the grain trade must step up to the mark and support grain farmers through a fourth difficult year as current grain price offers are significantly below the cost of production.”
In some areas, 25% to 30% of the crops remain in the field with the west, northwest and northern part of the country being the worst affected.
With rain forecasted to fall every day for the week ahead, it looks like there will not be much of a let-up for growers at the minute.
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