The recent spell of rainfall has provided a welcome relief to Wicklow farmers, but the prolonged drought conditions that preceded this deluge have resulted in the early depletion of winter feed reserves due to severe grass growth deficits.
The conditions are also severely reducing potato and vegetable yields, with consumers warned that price increases are particularly for potatoes as this year’s harvest has been significantly reduced.
Reports state that yields could drop by up to 40pc in some areas, with the main potato crop area nationally contracted to around 700 hectares, marking a seven-year low.
Tom Byrne of Wicklow IFA operates a farm out of Aughrim and advised: “Drought conditions have resulted in a lack of fodder and grass, which will result in an impact to the consumer.
“Farmers were getting €40 per tonne of potatoes up until early spring, which was never a realistic price, and now its costing €400 to €500 per tonnes, due to the scarcity of potatoes. The situation over in England is actually a lot worse.
“A large shortage of potatoes is predicted, while the drought has also caused issues with the overall vegetable sector, and there will be knock-on effects for the consumer.
“You have had a lot of talk over recent years over how we should all be only eating vegetables and should stay away from meat, but cattle are an alternative food source.
“If it paid me to grow vegetables then I would. For the first time in yonks, the birds have come home to roost for that cohort as vegetable production is now vulnerable.
“Winter feed is very scarce because the grass didn’t grow, and the conditions were actually worse in the east of the country compared to the west.”
Recent rainfall has brought a welcome sense of relief to many parched farms and vegetable growers, but drought impacts still threaten winter feed supplies
“It was great getting up each morning knowing the weather would be great and you could get a good days work done, but it was to the detriment of grass, vegetables and potatoes. The farming community are delighted with the recent rain and we actually want more,” stated Tom.
“Farmers are going to have to deal with the impacts of climate change and it is advisable that farmers conduct a winter feed budget to map out any potential deficits.”