Soils Wet but Drying in Many Areas

Farmers can expect a mixed week ahead, but with more frequent sunny spells bringing sunshine closer to average levels. These brighter conditions will help improve ground conditions and create better windows for fieldwork.

Drying Conditions Improving

Moderate to good drying conditions are likely through much of the working week between showers. This should help lower surface moisture and make soils easier to work.

Spraying Chances This Week

There will be some good spraying opportunities today and Wednesday. However, moderate to fresh winds in parts of the west and north could make spraying difficult in those areas. Additional chances to spray will come between showers on Thursday and Friday, so farmers should be ready to take advantage when conditions allow.

Soil Moisture and Field Conditions

In the southwest and east, soil moisture deficits (SMDs) currently range from 5 to 30 millimetres, reaching up to 45 millimetres in some parts of the far south, according to Met Éireann. These deficits will only increase slightly this week, meaning soils there remain relatively dry.

In contrast, much of the rest of the country still has saturated or waterlogged soils, especially in the south, midlands, and north. Although soils will start to dry a little, many fields will still have SMDs close to zero or under 10 millimetres, so caution is needed when working these areas.

What This Means for Farmers

With more sunshine and drying spells, conditions will improve for many farming activities over the next few days. However, wetter soils will persist in some areas, so care should be taken when moving machinery or working livestock on heavier ground.