Soggy Fields Keep Farmers Grounded

Farmers are facing another difficult stretch in the fields as unsettled weather continues to hamper drying and spraying opportunities.

Persistent outbreaks of rain mean land conditions will remain poor today and tomorrow, with only a slight improvement expected over the weekend when drier spells may open short windows for work between showers.

In its latest farming commentary, Met Éireann says spraying opportunities are expected to be extremely limited over the coming days, with wet soils and blustery winds preventing most field operations. This is likely to delay autumn spraying plans and create further pressure for tillage farmers already struggling with ground conditions.

Across the country, soils are close to saturation, with many areas now waterlogged. Moderately drained soils are expected to deteriorate further over the coming days, while poorly drained fields will remain waterlogged into next week. Even where some recovery is likely by the end of the week, fields will stay close to saturation, restricting machinery access and making grazing difficult.

Soil temperatures remain relatively mild for the time of year, ranging from 11.9 degrees at Knock Airport to 14.2 degrees at Valentia Observatory. However, with little change expected in the week ahead, the warmth is offering little relief to farmers battling sodden ground and shrinking opportunities for field work.