A Carrigans family has spoken of his relief at managing to plant a few acres of of potatoes this season.
Farmers trying to plant crops have been washed out of it so far this year.
Jamie Rankin was able to plant 10 acres of Roosters last Thursday and a further five acres last Monday.
He farms 100 acres himself but also rents a further 500 acres, 280 of which normally provide yields of various varieties including Rooster, Whites, Piper and Salad potatoes.
He told breakingnews.ie “Myself and my neighbour were able to put in some potatoes in the last week,” he said.
“I think we have been sort of lucky. The jet stream has moved to the southeast from us, which means that while we haven’t been without rain, we haven’t had as much as the rest of the country. Normally it’s here that we get it the most.
“It was a case of going out whenever we could. We are on call in this weather all time, looking for a window of opportunity. We have some acres planted but we are a long way yet from getting them from the ground.
“I’ve light, free-draining soil so while it is not ideal, I’m happy enough with the conditions.
“We had hailstones and temperatures of six degrees on Tuesday so I’d prefer a warmer bed to plant. For the next 10 days, I’ll be watching to see if growth starts. We need to get planting by the 15th April. That’s the crucial date. Planting after mid-May and you are guaranteed to lose yield.
“I’m the fourth generation of my family to farm and have been at it for 25 years. This is definitely the worst few years I’ve come across.
“Farmers are under a lot of pressure. Costs are still ridiculously high, fuel is up again but the main thing is uncertainty. No-one knows what’s coming in terms of weather.
“That’s very hard on farmers looking out at their fields underwater. They’ve invested their livelihoods, time and family. Everything into them and it has to be taking a toll on mental health.”
