Baling of silage is in full swing, with yields generally good and prices down from the highs of last year.

Farmers trying to make hay are having a more difficult time, with grass slow to dry and some having turned it six and seven times before baling this week.

Many farmers with sizeable areas of meadow for hay have been holding off in hope of a settled forecast and to allow meadows advance.

One Leinster contractor said he has 15,000 bales made so far, but only 600 of them hay. The rapid, easy hay-making of last summer is a fading memory. However, the forecast ahead is promising.

Prices for silage and hay have yet to settle down.

Sellers are generally asking for €20 to €25 for silage collected from the field. Some farmers who want a quick sale are asking for €18.

Farmers selling meadow for baling are asking from €5 to €8 per bale, depending on sward quality and general location. The buyer meets the cost of mowing and baling.

Asking prices for hay are generally in the range of €20 to €30 per bale out of the field.

In Leinster, selling prices are generally €22 to €23 per bale, but prices seem to be a few euros higher in western counties.

Asking prices for small squares of hay from the field are €2.80 to €4 each and there are signs there will be plenty of them made this year after good demand in the past year or two.