August 23, 2012

Heavy rainfall greatly affects Irish grain growers

Due to continuing heavy rainfall, Irish grain growers are facing significant financial losses this year.

Initial estimates suggest that as much as 500,000 tonnes of potential grain production has already been lost because of the damp conditions.

Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) national grain committee chairman Noel Delaney said crop yields had been reduced by up to 40% in some places.

"What had looked like the potential to be a bumper 2.6 tonne-grain harvest six weeks ago could quickly turn into a salvage operation if weather does not take an immediate turn for the better," he said.

"Ground conditions are deteriorating rapidly with water tables at unusually high levels for the time of year."

According to Met Éireann, rainfall in July was above average in almost all locations across the country, with Dublin, the midlands and southwest worst affected. It was also the dullest July since 2003, with sunshine totals below average everywhere.

Delaney said less than 6% of the spring barley crop and 1% of the winter wheat crop had been harvested to date, which was very unusual for this time of year.

"Grain farmers have made significant investment in increased harvesting capacity over the last few years and rapid progress could be made if there were to be a significant improvement in weather and soil conditions," he added.