Longford's farming sector facing ‘immense challenges’ due to persistent bad weather

Longford's farming sector is facing “immense challenges” as a result of the severe wet weather conditions.

The unseasonably inclement spell is an inconvenience for most, but the persistent rain is threatening the livelihood of many farmers.

The impact of the unrelenting downpours was highlighted when the rescheduled County Longford Ploughing Championships, due to take place last Sunday (April 14) in Bunlahy, was postponed for the second time.

The organisers were forced to pull the plug on the event because the deluge made soil unsuitable for ploughing.

The 88th County Ploughing Championships was originally to take place on Sunday, March 24, but the adverse weather saw the committee postpone it to April 14, before having to rescheduled again to Sunday, April 28.

The State body tasked by the government to prepare industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers to manage farm enterprises is headed by Longford farmer Mike Magan.

As Chair of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, Mr Magan said this week: “This committee is the entire industry working together to find solutions. We have to make sure we have fodder in yards for people who need it over the next 10 days.”

There is frustration among farmers as the financial impact of the weather mires their ability to do their job.

 “All our cattle are still in sheds,” Longford IFA Chairperson John Sheridan said, “We're now in the middle of April, fodder is being used the whole time, and it's running out for many farmers.”

The burden on the agri sector is more than just financial. “The workload this puts on farmers is serious. We're after going through a busy calving period. Normally we have a few weeks off before the breeding season starts, but it's going to be more difficult. Cows will be harder to get back into calf, because they're not comfortable.”

The problems are mounting up. “The condition of the land is making things tough, especially for the dairyman, but also for the beef farmers, and the sheep farmers. Animals should be eating grass at this stage, but they are not out.”

John highlighted the plight of one particular sector. “The tillage farmers are the worst off. There are tillage farmers in Longford who are way behind. Anthony Reynolds in Edgeworthstown would normally be finished at this stage, but the conditions are severely affecting him.”

Nationally ICSA president Sean McNamara says Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, must act immediately to support farmers who are “suffering enormously” due to the persistent bad weather.

The Lismacaffrey drystock farmer said the situation is made even worse by the refusal of the Department of Agriculture to offer farmers financial support. “Farmers feel abandoned. The prolonged winter and financial strain have pushed many farmers to their breaking point. There are a lot of stressed farmers out there, and many are feeling a sense of hopelessness.”

As well as urgent financial aid for the purchase of meal and transportation of fodder, Mr McNamara also called on the Minister to expedite the release of all outstanding farm scheme payments. “At the very least, the Minister needs to ensure that any outstanding payments to farmers are expedited. Any monies owed to farmers must be paid without any more excuses.”