Sub-zero conditions last week caused severe damage to potato crop foliage in many areas around the country.

Night time temperatures last week dipped to -2.5°C in some areas, resulting in localised ground frost.

Early/early-main crops planted on low-lying land were worst hit.

The haulms of these crops, especially those which were grown under fleeces, have been severely damaged. Later crops on higher land were not damaged.

Impact

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Thomas McKeown, IFA potato chair, explained that the maturity of these crops will now be delayed, meaning growers will likely miss the early market.

Ongoing moisture concerns, combined with a lower winter crop area, have led to an increase in early enquiries for straw

An amount of field vegetable crops have also been affected but the impact on combinable crops remains to be seen. In 2019, May frost in the northwest during winter barley flowering resulted in blank grains in the crop.

Ongoing moisture concerns, combined with a lower winter crop area, have led to an increase in early enquiries for straw this year from both composters and farmers.

Carryover straw from last season is expected to be minimal as a result of the late spring.