So where are the priorities in a year like this? Ground conditions have deteriorated but we have lots of grass ahead of the cattle so I am resisting any thought of bringing in the cattle. We are set up for paddock grazing and give the cattle a fresh paddock every day. That is what we are doing for the moment with a reasonably long run back over the previous few days’ ground.

There is definite marking but we are not yet into September and I expect a full ground recovery before winter.

Once I gave the authorisation to my Teagasc adviser, he was able to access my herd records, dates of slaughter, etc, and file the application online

Given the difficulties of this cattle year, I have already applied for the special €100 slaughter premium. Again, the capacity of modern technology hit me. Once I gave the authorisation to my Teagasc adviser, he was able to access my herd records, dates of slaughter, etc, and file the application online. The acknowledgment of a successful application followed.

On the tillage side after a hectic dry day on Monday and an enormous combine, fitted with tracks, we got the winter-sown oats harvested. This was sown in mediocre to poor conditions last autumn. In fact, we never got the field finished and had to do the balance in spring. A fortnight ago, we pulled out of the winter oats but on Monday it went like clockwork.

The only disappointment was that in the fortnight’s interval, the crop ripened to the extent that in the wind and rain some shedding of ripe grain was visible.

With an inch of rain forecast, I’ll never be able to get it – chop it

I had thought that oats was relatively immune to shedding but I was wrong. At the end of the day, I reckon we harvested a strong 3t/ac in good condition so given what might have happened if we missed Monday’s window, I was relatively happy. I was sorry I had to chop the oaten straw but when I contacted my regular straw buyer, who is well-equipped, he said: “With an inch of rain forecast, I’ll never be able to get it – chop it.” It was good advice as looking at the stubble there are lots of green stalks from late tillers which even in good weather would take a long time to dry. The next crop for harvesting is the seed wheat. My hope is that the continuous rain has not diluted the starch and caused premature sprouting making it fit only for feed. We can only wait and see.