Some tillage farmers were racing to get crops in before rain this week and over the weekend, while others were only getting out of the blocks. Wet weather has delayed spring sowing.

Heavy rain on Sunday put a stop to work in most places. However, some areas received less rain than others. Farmers were busy in Wexford on Monday for example, while it was Tuesday or Wednesday before many farmers got going again.

With significant showers in the forecast, tillage farmers are trying to get spring crops planted. Last weekend saw a good dent made in the beans area as well as ploughing, but land was only coming right to work for many.

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This week should see a lot of progress, but in the current forecast it is unlikely to see the peak of spring sowing.

Beans area is expected to remain stable or increase. Last year, 13,500ha were planted and seed is short this year. Spring barley area is likely down due to the increase in winter cereal area and lack of demand for distilling barley.

Large gaps have formed between some winter crops. In general, winter cereals look well, but where land could not be travelled some winter crops have fallen behind and are under stress after a long winter. Fertiliser applications, fungicides, tidy up herbicides and growth regulator are all required on these crops as spring sowing continues.