Farmers were urged to slap on the sunscreen and stay hydrated while working outside this week, as the country basks and bakes in Mediterranean-like heat.

With temperatures likely to top 28-30°C in many parts over the coming days, both the IFA and ICMSA said it was imperative that farmers focused on their own health as well as that of their livestock.

Alice Doyle of the IFA farm family committee said tractors or jeeps should not leave farmyards this week without water and sunscreen.

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“All the talk is about the sun at the moment, and that is crucially important, but it is also vital that farmers remain hydrated. Farmers are devils for not carrying water with them,” Doyle said.

“Sunscreen also needs to be in the toolbox – factor 50. The farmers’ tan is no protection against the sun,” she added.

The farmers’ tan is no protection against the sun

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland, with almost 13,000 cases diagnosed each year. And this number is rising rapidly.

HSE figures show that farmers are among the groups most likely to suffer from skin cancer, the IFA representative pointed out.

Doyle said farmers could also protect themselves in the sun by wearing broad-brimmed hats, long or three-quarter-length sleeves and sunglasses, and by working in the shade as much as possible.

Commenting on the weather forecast, ICMSA president Pat McCormack said it was essential for farmers to “take every precaution necessary” to protect themselves in the sun by using the “the appropriate sunblock” and wearing a hat.

“Livestock are also vulnerable in heat and for younger stock in particular, it would be important to have sheltered areas and obviously ready access to a water supply for all stock which is checked on a regular basis,” he said.

For younger stock in particular, it would be important to have sheltered areas and obviously ready access to a water supply

“From a farm produce perspective, dairy farmers will obviously check milk cooling equipment on a regular basis given that it will be under additional pressure,” McCormack added.

Reacting to the soaring temperatures, the HSE said people should not deliberately try to get a suntan, and should avoid getting sunburn.

Dr Blaithin Moriarty, consultant dermatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital said: “Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer. So if you’re planning on being out in the sun this summer, we are encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely.”

The HSE also called on parents to limit children’s exposure to the sun and to protect babies by keeping them in the shade or in clothing that covers their skin.