After a great start to the season with good weather through March, which gave good soil conditions for early planting, things turned a bit tougher at McCormack Family Farms in County Meath, Ireland.
"We had great weather in March making sowing easier than normal with great soil conditions and reasonably warm weather. In the end, we didn't gain any time as crops were planted in areas without any irrigation, while it stayed very dry," said Stephen McCormack, Managing Director at McCormack Family Farms. "We did get a lot of land preparation done, but then it started to rain a lot. Which at that time wasn't too bad as the land was very dry."
© McCormack Family Farms
Then came another period of very dry weather in May, this again was followed by some very heavy rain, up to 150ml over a couple of days.
"This very heavy rain devastated the spinach crops, it all turned yellow, and we had a shortage for two weeks. Things have improved now, and temperatures are back to normal, this week we've had 20 degrees, and all the crops are back on track. All the baby leaf salads and herbs are looking good and the whole head lettuce is exceptional with great quality and yields and we are seeing a consistent crop.
"All in all, things are ok now, but it has been a tough year so far. We have seen too many weather extremes and there has been a lot of stopping and starting. The heavy rain caused the fields to be waterlogged, and we couldn't get machinery in to harvest or plant. If it is dry, you can add water, but you can't take it away. So, nothing has gone to plan."
© McCormack Family Farms
Good demand
On a positive note, Stephen said sales have been very good, and summer brings tourists to Ireland, which increases sales.
"In general, we have had good quality and good volumes. We are hoping for some good, consistent weather and a nice dry spell for the next eight weeks so we can get all the planting done."
Stephen has also been busy on the marketing side. "In the past, retailers have always been good at recognizing growers and their brands, but now they want more and more under their own brands. I think the issue is that they see grower's brands doing well and don't want the competition."
© McCormack Family Farms
Snack lettuce
McCormack's has launched a new snack lettuce on the market; it is a new type of Gem lettuce designed around Mexican food.
"We grew it last year for one retailer and this year we are supplying Tesco and Dunns. It is sweet and crunchy and can take a bit of heat. The shelf life is also incredible; it is still good 20 days after harvest, and it is not any more expensive than Gem lettuce. Another product that has been exceptional this year is our indoor basil. Normally, I'd be importing from Kenya, but we are still producing 2-2.5 tonnes a week. Pak Choi has also really taken off in Ireland in the last two years, demand is very high.
For more information:
Stephen McCormack
McCormack Family Farms
Tel.: +353 46 902 56 95
Email: [email protected]
www.mccormackfarms.ie
