Potato crops at risk of frost damage in Ireland

Potato crops around Ireland which are still in the ground are at risk of frost damage as low temperatures continue. After days of sustained sub-zero conditions, much of the ground around the country remains frozen. While many farmers used this to their advantage by catching up with late harvest jobs, ground work and early cultivations, potato farmers who still have crops in the ground have expressed concern. The IFA’s latest stock survey estimates that between 800 and 1,000 acres of potatoes remain in the ground in the Republic of Ireland. The poor weather conditions during autumn 2017 meant that ground conditions were difficult throughout the entire potato harvest. In many cases, potatoes on heavier, wetter land could not be harvested and remain in the ground today. There was a similar situation in Northern Ireland where last year farmers experienced one of the most challenging harvests in 30 years. Widespread frosts throughout the last week saw temperatures dropping to -10°C in places. More