As Ireland continues to experience one of the wettest months of May on record, a farm leader called for an early payout of premia to farmers who are facing serious financial difficulties because of the weather.
Mr Ruaidhrí Deasy, deputy president of the Irish Farmers' Association, described the current weather conditions for farmers as "absolutely appalling" and the worst in his life.
The rain, which the Irish Meteorological Service confirmed yesterday was twice normal levels for May in many areas, had created major problems for farmers in all sectors, he said.
Cattle, he said, had to be brought in to sheds to prevent damage to grassland, and fed on grass substitutes.
Silage-making was already delayed since mid-May and this meant the quality of the harvested material would not be as good as previous years.
Machinery, he said, could not go out to harvest silage because of soft land and tillage farmers had been waiting for up to 15 days to spray crops.
"I am asking the Department to pay premia which is due to us next month," said Mr Deasy.
The Department of Agriculture said it was monitoring the situation but said the extensification premium which was being sought now, was due to be paid in June and would be paid next month which is only a few days away.
• The Met Service said yesterday rainfall in Valentia, Co Kerry has already exceeded the 50-year record there for the May rainfall level which stood at 7.2 inches.