Galway weather update as farmers worried over crop yield
The prolonged dry spell could lead to higher food costs as yields of grain, potatoes and vegetables fall, according to Galway IFA Chair Michael Haverty.
Mr Haverty said the impact of the lack of rain is now being seen in crop yields, with spring crops particularly affected.
Asked whether the prolonged dry weather could ultimately have an impact on food costs, he said: "I think it may, as yields on grain, potatoes and vegetables will be significantly lower than last year."
While winter crops that have already been harvested performed well, Mr Haverty noted considerable variation in spring crop yields.
"Winter crops that have been harvested went well, but there is huge variation in the spring crops,” he said.
“ Yields are well back because of the dry spell. They were late getting into the ground and the crop is ripening now. There's no choice but to harvest it, even though the quantity won't be there."
Mr Haverty's concerns follow a difficult start to the season for spring cereals.
Teagasc reported in June that spring barley crops were a "mixed bag" following the wet spring, with the vast majority not drilled until April.
Meanwhile, Mr Haverty said the financial impact of the dry weather is also being felt by livestock farmers , with additional feed costs adding to the pressure.
"There'll be a knock-on effect from buying feed next winter,” he said.
"If farmers have to buy meal and silage that they didn't harvest themselves, it will have a knock-on financial impact.
“They're spending a lot of money now that they wouldn't be banking on spending.”
The lack of rain also creates a dilemma for farmers regarding whether to spread fertiliser, as moisture is needed for it to be effective.
"Farmers have put it out in the hope that moist weather will follow,” Michael said.
“If you get that nice soft rain, it dissolves the granules and helps it soak into the ground. But the forecast rain hasn't materialised.
"The Met Éireann app might say we'll have rain on Thursday evening and that could change to a light sprinkle for 15 minutes.
“That's the conundrum. We know putting out fertiliser in a drought is pointless. With no moisture it won't work. Farmers are very conscious and cautious when it comes to fertiliser.
"Some farmers didn't buy fertiliser because of the expense. It's a Catch-22."
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme