The worst-case scenario for many spring crops has been realised through a combination of late planting and poor seedbed conditions followed by a prolonged dry spell.

Spring crops in many areas are suffering from drought conditions, resulting in poor tillering, rapid development, short crops and nutrient deficiencies.

Winter crops on dry ground are also burning up in parts of the south.

Rainfall is localised and some areas have received more than adequate rainfall. However, rainfall averages for the month of May and June are well behind in virtually all grain-growing counties.

Rainfall so far for the month of June at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, for example, stands at just 12.2mm compared to the monthly average of 72.6mm.

Meanwhile, crops in northern counties felt the brunt of Storm Hector last week. This was followed by heavy rain this week, which resulted in some lodging occurring of heavy winter crops and soft spring crops.

Read more

Tillage management: spring crops still looking for rain

Tillage management: dryness a factor in many spring crops