20 August 2026

Potato and vegetable growers under significant pressure

Prolonged dry conditions and soil moisture deficits are intensifying pressures on potato and vegetable growers.

That was one of the many key messages delivered by Teagasc Crops and Potato Specialist, Shay Phelan who addressed a National Fodder Meeting on August 18, a meeting convened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and involving Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials, Teagasc and the main farming organisations.

Starting by detailing the current situation on tillage farms, Shay Phelan explained that harvest 2026 is approximately 90% complete, but yields have been slightly disappointing with the likely total harvest estimated at below two million tonnes. Quality has been variable, he explained, while straw yields are 80-90% of normal, thus potentially leading to higher ex-field prices.

The impact of heightened soil moisture deficits – approaching 100mm in the main east and south-east tillage producing regions – was also discussed in terms of fodder crop production and the establishment of winter oilseed rape and cover crops.

“Beet and maize yields are likely to suffer, and beet crops may be left to grow longer into the autumn to increase yields. There is also the risk that poor leaves on beet crops may lead to increased losses at harvest with leaf pulling harvesters.”

Despite the variability in cereal and forage crop yields, Shay Phelan noted that winter oilseed rape performed relatively well on many farms this year. Worryingly, however, a lack of moisture has delayed drilling of such crops – along with catch crops – this year.

Potatoes and vegetables

The challenge for potato and vegetable producers, Shay Phelan explained, extends beyond reduced crop yields. Presenting data complied in conjunction with Dermot Callaghan, Teagasc Head of Horticulture Development Department, he explained:

“Drought and significant soil moisture deficits have had an impact on all field vegetable crops. Where growers have had access to irrigation systems, they are looking at costs of €175+ per application; where crops have received multiple applications, crops remain average.

“Some growers are also reporting issues with the availability of a reliable water source, causing the need to transport water over distance.”

Where no irrigation has been applied, Shay Phelan noted that crops are poor and will struggle to meet market specifications, thus potentially creating a future income challenge.

Other challenges also outlined included heightened dry matters in potato crops, potentially leading to increased losses at harvest, and bolting issues arising in some brassica crops.

Solutions

To meet winter feed reserves on livestock farms, Shay Phelan pointed to the value of Irish grown grains, particularly oats and rye which could be included at increased inclusion rates in livestock rations. Vegetables failing to supermarket market specifications could also be considered, but many of these require the use of specialised feeding equipment at farm level. The role of catch crops, he explained, however, will depend on rain fall over the next two weeks, with Teagasc research showing a constant decline in yield performance as establishment date moves from August into September.

To view the Teagasc presentations to the National Fodder Meeting, visit here.

More from Teagasc Daily: Dealing with the drought – Teagasc Advisory Messages