Slippery yards, pipes for feeding animals freezing, all in the middle of calving season. Irish farmers are just one of the communities hit hardest by Storm Emma. Carlow-based dairy farmer, Denis Maher, told Morning Ireland that he’s chosen to “batten down the hatches”. But the situation is not easy.
“We need this event like a hole in the head. It’s not been a good year.”
IFA President Joe Healy didn't escape the effects either, as he explained on-air.
“It’s very difficult. We’ve been out in our own farm here for the last hour trying to free up pipes in the milking parlour and we’ve been unable to do so so far…We had milk kept from last night just in case of the worst this morning. So, at least the calves will be able to be fed.”
Joe urged caution when working around farms over the coming days, especially when climbing on slippery surfaces and asked listeners to check in with their older neighbours in case they need assistance.
Listen back to the whole segment on farming on Morning Ireland here.