Dry Spell to Drive Grass Growth

Met Éireann is forecasting a mainly dry week ahead, offering farmers moderate to good drying conditions once today passes.

While there will be occasional showers, some heavy, these will be scattered, and long dry spells should provide good windows for fieldwork. Winds are expected to stay mostly moderate or lighter, adding to the favourable conditions.

Spraying opportunities should be plentiful over the coming days, apart from during showers. Mean soil temperatures will remain above normal, giving a further boost to grass growth at a time when many farms are looking to build autumn covers.

Currently, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) in the midlands, south and east range from 20 to 50mm, while in parts of the west and north, well-drained and moderately drained soils are close to saturation, with some poorly drained soils already saturated. SMDs are expected to creep up slightly over the week.

Growers are being advised to keep an eye on blight risk, with the highest threat forecast for Atlantic coastal counties and parts of east Ulster.