The sunshine and drying weather over the past few days and forecast of dry weather into next week has been massively welcomed by tillage farmers across the country who are rushing to get spring crops into the ground.

Land is taking a long time to dry out in many places, so while progress is very good on some farms, others are struggling and some areas of fields are being left un-sown as they are too wet.

All crops are now a priority as time ticks on.

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Some farmers are persisting with beans, while spring cereals are next on the agenda.

Maize and beet planting is also starting and potato farmers have a lot of work to do in the coming days.

Meanwhile the IFA is seeking a derogation from crop diversification requirements this year.

As many farmers continue to try and get crops in, crop options become more limited.

For example, it is very late to sow beans and there are reduced markets for spring barley and oats.

However, the Irish Farmers Journal understands a decision on a derogation may not come in time for farmers planting at present, so growers should continue to comply with the rules.