Friday

Winds are picking up around the country, as storm Ciara is set to make landfall this weekend.

Farmers are being urged to take care and not approach fallen trees until the storm has passed and to call the ESB if there are any electrical cables knocked by the storm.

The UK Met Office has triggered an amber warning with the expectation of heavy rain and wind.

Met Éireann said that it expects the storm to be “vigorous”.

Saturday

A nationwide status yellow wind and rain warning are in place for Saturday, with winds reaching an average of 65km/h and gusts of up to 110km/h.

“A spell of heavy rain will spread eastwards across the country on Saturday, with 20mm to 40mm expected, highest in the west and northwest,” Met Éireann said.

Sunday

A nationwide status yellow warning is still in place, with a warning of coastal flooding in certain areas.

“Over the weekend, the combination of spring tides and high seas, as well as stormy conditions, will result in an elevated risk of coastal flooding, especially along southern, western and northwestern coasts,” Met Éireann said.

There is also a warning for heavy rain, with squally, wintry showers and downfalls of up to 40mm.

Management notes

Beef

Adam Woods takes a look at calf prices and doing a budget before you buy, coccidiosis in calves and following up slaughtering cattle.

Dairy

In this week's dairy management notes, Aidan Brennan looks at how to manage grazing in wet weather, dry matter intake and issues with recruitment.

Tillage

Relatively low recent rainfall has seen some growers out planting winter wheat in recent weeks and alternative systems might be considered to help offset moderate ground conditions.

Sheep

Marketing hoggets at the correct weight and fat score will optimise producer returns while also providing benefits in reducing the volume of free sheepmeat coming on to the market.

Read more

Beef management: calf prices, coccidiosis and slaughtering cattle

Dairy management: weather, intakes and talking on help