Early crops of potatoes damaged by night frosts (1926)

The reported observed: “During the greater part of May the weather was fine and dry, although rather cold, but a change occurred during the last ten days, when a showery period set in and the temperature became warmer. Heavy night frosts were experienced on several occasions about the middle of the north, resulting in much damage to early potatoes and fruit trees.

“Pastures made very little growth during the dry and frosty period, but the showers which occurred during the last ten days of the month made a great improvement in the growth of the grass.”

It added: “Spring tillage operations are exceptionally well forward, and in most districts turnip sowing has been completed.”

The May report had this to say on wheat: “The wheat crop is looking well, and autumn town wheat, favoured by the recent rains and the mild weather, made rapid growth during the last two weeks of May.”

Of the oats which had been planted it reported: “The brairds are looking very well in most places. The leather jacket grub has been comparatively little in evidence, and there are in consequence fewer, patchy crops than usual. In some districts growth was retarded considerably by the dry, harsh weather of the first part of the month, but with the recent rains a great improvement has occurred. Farmers in some parts of Co Antrim are spraying to eradicate charlock.”

On flax it was observed: “As in the case of oats, the flax crop was injured somewhat by the harsh weather, but has improved recently, and is now promising well. In Co Londonderry it was anticipated that the flax acreage would show a much greater decrease than that, which has actually occurred. An extra demand for flax seed was experienced about the middle of the month.”

Regarding potatoes across Northern Ireland it was noted: “The ravages of the frost were particularly evident amongst fields of early potatoes, and in many places the foliage was quite blackened. In some districts this occurred several times during the month. Although the damaged crops have recovered wonderfully well, they will not be ready for lifting as early as was expected. In some districts main crop varieties escaped serious damage from frost, and are now growing vigorously.

“Planting was completed much earlier than usual, and prospects at the moment are quite good. There are still small quantities of the 1925 crop of potatoes on the hands of farmers in some districts. Prices have advanced somewhat during the month. Average prices – Arran Victory, 2s 10d per cwt; Up-to-Date, 2s 3d per cwt; Skerries, 2s 11d per cwt.”

Of mangels the report commented: “Last year’s crop have now been practically all consumed. Brairds from this season's sowing are promising.”

Turnips: “The crop has now nearly all been sown and the brairds of early sown turnips are growing well.”

Turning the attention of the report to hay it was noted: “There are still fair supplies of last year's hay being offered at markets. Average prices – first and second year’s hay, 80s per ton (seeded), 91s 9d per ton (unseeded); meadow hay, 61s 8d per ton. The prospects for the first year’s hay are at the moment uncertain. It is generally anticipated that the yield will be light, although the recent rains have materially helped the growth of the crop, the prospects of which were rather poor earlier in the month.”

Turning the attention of the May report to livestock it was noted of cattle: “Store cattle are in forward condition. Dairy stock are also in a good condition, and the milk yield has improved considerably during the month.

“The occurrence of a few deaths from milk fever among cows is reported from North Down, but, on the whole, the health, of both calves and cows is very good. Supplies of cattle at fairs were moderate, but demand was variable owing to abnormal shipping conditions arising from the general strike. Prices were inclined to have a downward tendency.”

Of sheep it was observed: “Sheep are in good condition, and lambs are thriving well. Moderate supplies are being marketed and are meeting with a fair demand. There is a good demand for fat lambs.”