Torrential rain in Cavan/Monaghan and Leitrim earlier this week forced a number of farmers to house all stock to avoid damaging grazing areas.

Second-cut silage has been put on hold with some second cuts in the west now in doubt after very heavy rain left land unable to be travelled on with heavy machinery.

Weather stations in the western half of the country recorded high rainfall for August so far, with stations in Athenry, Co Galway, Newport, Co Mayo, and Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, seeing increased rainfall.

With further unsettled conditions forecast in the west for the next number of days, grazing conditions and silage making conditions are unlikely to improve for the foreseeable future. Further south, harvesting has been halted by rain.

Meanwhile, at the Ballinamore Agricultural Show on Tuesday 15 August, there are reports that people showing cattle had to be towed into the show field and towed out of the field on the day.

With another busy weekend ahead for shows, some shows in the northwest may have to change venues in order to try to alleviate problems associated with getting exhibitors and people into and out of show fields.

Tydavnet Show in Co Monaghan goes ahead on Saturday 19 and Mohill Show goes ahead on 20 August.

Forecast

On Thursday night, heavy and at times thundery rain is forecast for the country. On Friday, rain is forecast in many places at first.

The rain is to turn showery with brighter intervals developing but there will still be some heavy showers in places through the day.

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