The swathing of oilseed rape is not a common sight in Ireland. So when a swather was spotted working in Kildare we had to have a look.

On a vegetable farm in Waterford, one farmer is using aningenious slurry spreader to irrigate his crop without the expense of a major irrigation system.

We found that the Twin Moscha was throwing the water 24m and looked like it was going to be the saviour of this farmer’s crops during this unprecedented dry spell.

Peter Gaffney was the lucky winner of a competition to attend John Deere’s 100 years of tractor production in Europe. He has written an account of the trip and tells us of the highlights and the people and machines he encountered.

With the weather as it is, there is a serious need to be extra careful. There are numerous stories of machines having near misses where the slightest spark or heat has occurred. In order to reduce the risks of this, machine maintenance and the clearance of dust and chaff should be undertaken every day at least.

If there is not a fire extinguisher already on the machine or tractor which you are driving then getting one that can be at hand is advised in these conditions or at least know where a good water supply or extinguisher is located close to where you are working.

Most importantly, be extra vigilant and safe when working in this weather.