Maize lodging has become a major problem in Ireland after Ophelia’s visit. Kill, Co Waterford, was one of many locations with crops ready for harvesting flattened.

Arable farmer Pat Kirwan said he expected 50% to 60% loss. A 25ac field was half harvested when the storm hit and the 21-22t/ac yield achieved last week will now drop.

In addition, the harvester can now work only in the direction the wind broke the plants.

“It keeps jamming, and the driver has to reverse it constantly. That’s why the clutch is now giving a lot of trouble,” Ned said. Wind storms normally happen in the winter, after the end of the maize harvest.