Survey finds Tipperary farmers are working longer hours due to prolonged wet weather

Tipperary farmers have been forced to work longer hours over the last few weeks unable to get their cattle out onto pasture, according to the latest major survey by FRS Co-Op.

The February 2026 Calving Insights Survey has found that 80% of farms with FRS Farm Services staff in Co Tipperary have been unable to take their cattle out of sheds for the whole of last month.

FRS Managers and Team Leads have noted that this issue has led to farms working longer hours to manage their cattle or spending more on outside labour. In addition, farmers are experiencing added pressure towards managing their feed, silage and slurry storage.

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Anecdotally, some farms are struggling to maintain shed cleanliness and hygiene due to their slurry storage issues. This has led to increase cases of mastitis and milk fever. Additionally, some cows are coming into heat in sheds which has caused falls and injuries on slippery surfaces.

These issues are compounded by a notable drop in milk quality and volumes on many farms. Although farmers are spending extra money on fodder and concentrate supplementation, milk yields have fallen due to the absence of grass.

The survey also has shown that on average 60% of cows had calved on Tipperary farms as of the 28th of February. On average, between 95% and 100% of farms had started calving by the end of the month.

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With the added slurry storage concerns, farmers have been quick to sell calves once they are of age. On average, 70% of farms in Tipperary have begun selling calves on so far this year.

Graham Keane, FRS Farm Services County Manager, said: “The start of 2026 has not been easy for Irish farmers. The usual challenges of calving have been multiplied by the wet weather experienced over the last two months. From surveying our network of FRS Farm Services staff in Tipperary, it has become apparent that not being able to get cattle out onto grass has led to slurry storage issues, animal health concerns, and lower milk yields.

“I would encourage any farmer to reach out to FRS Co-Op if they need support this spring, particularly if they are under added labour pressure due to having cattle inside this spring. FRS Co-Op has capacity to offer resources to farmers in need of help and ensure the 2025 calving season progresses smoothly.”