Ulster Farmers' Union president Graham Furey has told Farming Life that his organisation will press the Stormont Executive for weather related compensation, such has been the scale of the devastation caused on many farms.
He added: "I have visited quite a number of farms this week and there is no question that some farms have suffered exceptional flooding and serious losses. Some fields of cereals and potatoes are either washed away or are under several feet of water. Other farmers have lost livestock in flash flooding. These farmers are facing serious financial losses and we are exploring every possible compensation option for these producers.
"Compensation is being made available for other sections of society and the UFU will continue to ensure that agriculture is on the agenda in Stormont and that our flooding situation is taken to Brussels.
"The farming industry is battling to cope with these extremely bad weather conditions and I want to praise the actions of the farmers who in some cases made heroic efforts to move livestock to safe ground in recent days".
Ulster Unionist agricultural spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA has urged the Department of Agriculture to provide a package of compensation for losses of livestock, potatoes crops and grain crops due to the severe flooding which occurred last weekend in Northern Ireland.
"I have every sympathy for the many homeowners who suffered flood damage at the weekend and the swift response by certain Government agencies to implement an emergency payment of £1,000 to help restore their homes but deeply disappointed that the Department of Agriculture were not included in these discussions," the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA told Farming Life.
"It would indicate that the farming community which has suffered enormous losses has not been considered. I have been contacted by a number of farmers who have suffered severe loss in terms of livestock, crops and therefore huge financial loss. I have contacted DARD and was advised that no compensation was available."
He added: "I would propose that the Minister of Agriculture should urgently consider an aid package for the farming community who have suffered due to the flooding. We require an immediate announcement of emergency aid package, which will be paid out quickly to those farmers affected. I have written to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development seeking such an aid package for farmers."
Such is the scale of the problem caused by the recent heavy rains that Rivers Agency staff have been deployed to areas affected by flooding including Belfast, Rostrevor, Waringstown, Aghalee, Ballymena, Antrim, Tobermore, Kilkeel, Curran, Limavady, Beragh, Draperstown, Newbridge, Warrenpoint, Castlewellan, Newcastle, Lisburn, Glenavy, Moira, Ballylesson, Dromara and Stoneyford.
To date the Agency has received some 1000 calls. These are being dealt with on a priority basis.
DARD has confirmed to Farming Life that winter wheat crops are now most at risk in the current circumstances.
"Wheat crops are now ripe," a Department spokesman added.
"However it will be at least a week before combines can get on to the land. And this is assuming that we get a few dries days in the very near future. The risk of sprouting is very high at the present time. And this is particularly so where crops have lodged. Where crops have not received their final ear wash, evidence of blighted heads is apparent. This will lead to a reduction in crop quality at harvest. In fields where actual flooding has taken place, all is not lost provided, again, that we get some decent weather in the next few days."
He added: Most of the winter barley and oilseed rapes crops have been successfully harvested and the straw saved in good condition. Spring barley crops hare stood up to the weather pretty well. The recent rain has encouraged significant grass growth in these crops. However, this can be dealt with at harvest.
DARD acknowledges that this is a difficult time for farmers and their animals. Herd and flockowners are adbvised to check on their animals though the Department appreciates that this is difficult as a number of farms have been cut off due to the heavy flooding.
Where animals are found dead for public health and animal health reasons the carcase must be disposed of as quickly as possible. Fallen stock should be disposed of through the National Fallen Stock Scheme.
There is no provision within the Drainage (NI) Order for the Rivers Agency to pay compensation in the case of damage to land or property from accidental overflowing of watercourses in extreme weather events.Meanwhile, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has called on the Executive to lobby the Treasury to make application to Brussels for aid for flood victims from the EU Solidarity Fund. This fund came into existence to deal with dire emergencies such as created by the devastating flooding of last weekend.
"Last year the UK got an award of £110 M to help cope with the summer floods in England," he added.
"In addition to the Executive addressing the opportunities which exist under the EUSF, they need to take urgent steps to deal specifically with losses in the agricultural sector. Private householders can qualify for an emergency payment but there are many farmers who have seen stock and crops destroyed and who stand in urgent need of assistance. What is the Executive going to do for them? The responsibility is on DARD to champion their cause and join in ensuring the opportunities under the EUSF are fully exploited."