Horrendous weather conditions have played havoc on this year’s harvest in Donegal. Tillage farmers in the north west have been hit by torrential rain and in turn this has left the harvest at crisis levels.

With reports of only a quarter of the harvest being completed in Donegal, the IFA grain committee is appealing for farmers in the south to save the northwest harvest.

IFA grain committee chairman Liam Dunne said: “We are looking farmers to volunteer and come to Donegal in order to save the harvest in the northwest.

"With 75% of the harvest still to be cut, tillage farmers in Donegal are struggling and will not be able to finish the harvest on their own," Dunne added

The IFA sent out a help message on Tuesday and are asking farmers who are finished harvesting their own crops to offer their services to farmers in Donegal.

As a result of the marshy soil conditions in Donegal, the IFA are particularly appealing to farmers who may be in possession of small combines.

“With the poor ground conditions in Donegal, we are asking farmers with 15 -17 foot headers to provide their services," Dunne told the Irish Farmers Journal

He added that the IFA will pay for the haulage costs associated with transporting the combines to the north west for any farmer who decides to volunteer and help the tillage farmers in Donegal.

Roscommon problems growing

Co Roscommon tillage farmer Mervyn Auchmuty told the Irish Farmers Journal that conditions are 'horrific' in his area.

"It's a situation where ground conditions are saturated and you can't work. Then there's a situation where the ground is OK but there's been so much rain that the crop is lying flat. We might get cutting this evening (Tuesday) if the weather holds but it's a total race against the clock," Auchmuty said.

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