The east-west split in rainfall in the past week has been very pronounced.

According to Met Éireann rainfall data, Shannon Aiport in Co Clare received 52mm, or 318% of its weekly average rainfall and Claremorris in Co Mayo 43.1mm, or 228% of its average weekly rainfall.

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport registered 12.8mm or 90% of the average weekly rainfall, with Oak Park in Co Carlow receiving 11.8mm, or 82% of its average rainfall for this time of year.

Farmers in the west are struggling on heavy ground, while those in the south and east are struggling for grass growth.

While much of the winter harvest is now completed, the spring crops are not ready and there is little wheat harvested. Farmers are looking anxiously at the forecast.

We spoke to farmers across the country, to assess the situation in their area.

John Fitzgerald, Waterford, dairy

“We have got a few showers since last week. For the livestock people, the little we got was needed. Regrowth was poor due to the lack of rain.

“The land is in good condition and the shot of rain will do it good. The land is firm. I was out on the tractor and you wouldn’t see a tyre mark. For the tillage lads it wasn’t great.”

Ned Morrissey, Waterford, tillage

“We have had showers this week and it has been difficult to make progress from a tillage point of view. The rain showers have been sporadic, so it has made things awkward. In terms of rain, it is just enough for grass and a little too much for tillage. But the land is holding up very well. Grass growth and ground condition are very good.”

Jim O’Leary, Tipperary, dairy

“There has been practically no rain here for the last 10 days. The land is very dry. There have been bits of rain here and there, but it has done nothing for growth. At this stage we are begging for rain. Grass growth has dropped down to 40kg/grass DM per day. There is rain forecast for later in the week, so we are hoping for that.”

Alex Petrie, Co Mayo, dairy

“It rained fairly heavy here Saturday and Sunday night. I went out to the cattle on Monday morning and the paddocks were black. If we get a bad day in the west the cows will have to be put in for a few hours. Overall, it has been a good year. We have had a good milk price and good grass growth, but this week has been poor.”

Pat Gilhooley, Leitrim, suckler farmer

“We have had a lot of rain here in the last week. We have an awful lot of wet land around here now. We had a good enough year before this rain. In truth, the land never really recovered from last year. It looks as though cattle will have to be housed earlier than we thought.”

Read more

Beef management notes: managing difficult grazing

Big contrast in ground conditions across country

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