Mixed weather to challenge farmers as soils in west remain saturated

Farmers face another difficult week of weather with limited spraying and drying opportunities, according to Met Éireann’s latest agricultural forecast.

The week ahead is set to bring mixed and often cloudy conditions, with sunshine levels expected to fall below normal in the west and remain closer to average in the east. Mean air temperatures will be near or slightly above seasonal norms, while soil temperatures will stay above average at between 14.8 and 16.8 degrees.

Despite this, drying conditions are forecast to be generally poor over the next seven days due to frequent showers and spells of rain. Met Éireann has indicated that Friday will offer the best chance for field work, with limited spraying opportunities also possible on Thursday morning.

Soil conditions remain a key concern. Away from the Atlantic seaboard, soils are still dry and trafficable. However, fields in west Connacht and west Munster are saturated, with moderately and poorly drained soils in some areas already waterlogged. Soil moisture deficits currently range from 16 to 45mm, with the driest ground in the south and east. Further rainfall over the coming week is expected to reduce deficits, leaving much of Connacht, Munster and west Ulster at risk of saturated or waterlogged soils.

For livestock farmers, the combination of above-average soil temperatures and wet ground is likely to create management challenges, particularly around grazing conditions in the west. Tillage farmers will also face difficulties with spraying and harvesting timetables, with windows of opportunity tightly limited.