Navigating Storm Éowyn: Farm Management Strategies and Insights

Jan 28, 2025By Anne Hayden
Anne Hayden

Introduction:

Storm Éowyn, one of the most intense weather events to strike Ireland in recent years, has caused widespread disruption to farms and rural communities. With recorded wind speeds exceeding 120km/h in certain regions and rainfall totals reaching up to 80mm in just 24 hours, the storm’s impact has been devastating. For farmers, the consequences include damaged crops, soil erosion, flooding, and livestock safety challenges. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, building resilience is essential for the future of Irish agriculture.

At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we understand the challenges posed by such events and are committed to providing actionable solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the effects of Storm Éowyn and offer expert advice for recovery and resilience.

Dunmore Head

The Impact of Storm Éowyn on Irish Agriculture

1. Crop Damage and Yield Loss:

The fierce winds and relentless rain wreaked havoc on cereal crops, vegetables, and forage across the country. In Munster and Connacht, farmers were faced with waterlogged fields, making harvesting impossible. According to Met Éireann, some areas recorded over 100mm of rainfall in just two days – far exceeding the monthly average. Unsurprisingly, this led to localised flooding, drowning crops and leaving farmers at a loss.

Adding to their woes, hailstorms in parts of Leinster caused severe damage to vegetable farms, with some farmers estimating they’ve lost as much as 40% of their yield. This doesn’t just mean lower incomes for farmers but also disrupts the local supply of fresh produce, leaving us more dependent on imports. For example, in the wake of similar storms, imports of vegetables like carrots and broccoli have risen by as much as 20%, and we’re likely to see this trend repeated.

 
2. Soil Degradation and Nutrient Loss:

The storm worsened the ongoing issue of soil erosion, which already poses a serious challenge for Irish agriculture. On average, Irish farmland loses an estimated 13 million tonnes of soil every year due to water erosion, and storms like Éowyn only make matters worse. Fields left bare or recently tilled were particularly vulnerable, with the heavy rain washing away the fertile topsoil that farmers rely on. In some areas, studies show as much as 50 tonnes of soil per hectare can be lost during severe storms.

The loss doesn’t stop there. Nutrient-rich topsoil washed into rivers and streams, leading to runoff that contributes to a harmful process called eutrophication. This causes algae to grow excessively, damaging aquatic ecosystems. Shockingly, over half of Ireland’s rivers are now affected by this issue, according to the Environmental Protection Agency – a grim reminder of the far-reaching impact storms like this can have.

 
3. Livestock Safety and Health:

For livestock farmers, Storm Éowyn brought a fresh set of challenges. Flooded pastures forced animals to move to higher ground, with many at risk of injury or stress. Worse still, standing water increased the likelihood of waterborne diseases like leptospirosis and liver fluke. Farmers have already started reporting issues, and previous data from the Department of Agriculture shows that such outbreaks can rise by 25% after flooding events.

The high winds didn’t help either, damaging fences and shelters and leaving animals exposed to the harsh elements. For many farmers, accessing feed and fresh water became a struggle, particularly in areas where wells were contaminated. In fact, testing from previous floods has shown that 40% of farm wells in affected regions can end up with unsafe levels of bacteria. For farmers who care deeply about their livestock, these issues add enormous stress.

 
4. Infrastructure and Equipment Damage:

Farm buildings, roads, and machinery all took a battering during Storm Éowyn. Greenhouses and polytunnels were shredded by winds reaching 120km/h, while roads became impassable with flooding and debris. Farmers are now counting the cost, with the Irish Farmers' Association estimating repair bills could run from €5,000 to as much as €20,000, depending on the level of damage.

Dairy farmers were hit particularly hard, with power cuts disrupting milking operations. Many reported losing up to 2,000 litres of milk due to spoilage. Meanwhile, waterlogged machinery – from tractors to balers – suffered serious damage. Replacing a tractor engine alone can cost over €10,000, a financial burden that small farms, in particular, will struggle to bear.

Severe, rotating storm clouds with torrential rain shaft over farmland

Best Practices for Recovery and Resilience


Recovering from the aftermath of Storm Éowyn requires careful planning and sustainable practices. Here are some practical steps to help farmers recover and prepare for future extreme weather events:

 
1. Assess and Document Damage:

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your farm. Photograph and document all damage, including affected crops, soil erosion, infrastructure, and livestock. These records are essential for filing insurance claims and applying for government relief.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has urged farmers to contact their insurers promptly, as delays may result in reduced payouts. As of 2023, more than 80% of Irish farms have insurance policies that cover storm damage, but many claims are rejected due to incomplete documentation. Keeping receipts for emergency repairs is also crucial; during Storm Darwin in 2014, farmers who retained receipts were reimbursed for up to €3,000 in immediate repair costs.

 
2. Restore Soil Health:

Erosion Control
Use natural barriers such as straw bales, silt fences, or grass strips to prevent further soil loss. Replanting cover crops like clover or ryegrass can stabilise the soil and reduce erosion by up to 75%, according to research by Teagasc.

Nutrient Management
Conduct a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies caused by runoff. Nutrient loss during storms can deplete topsoil of up to 25% of its phosphorus and nitrogen content. Organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can replenish these nutrients and improve soil structure. Studies show that adding 1% organic matter can increase soil water retention by up to 20 litres per square metre.

Conservation Practices
Adopt no-till or reduced-tillage farming to minimise soil disturbance. Fields managed with no-till practices have been shown to lose up to 90% less soil during heavy rains, reducing erosion risks significantly.

 
3. Protect Livestock:

Ensure Livestock Safety
Provide access to dry, elevated areas to keep livestock away from floodwaters, which can contain harmful bacteria and debris. According to the Department of Agriculture, prolonged exposure to floodwaters increases the risk of diseases like leptospirosis and liver fluke by 25–30%.

Repair Infrastructure
Fix damaged fencing and shelters promptly to secure animals and protect them from further stress. After Storm Ophelia in 2017, farmers who prioritised fencing repairs reported fewer incidents of livestock straying or injury.

Monitor Animal Health
Keep a close eye on livestock for signs of illness or injury. Waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Consulting a vet early can prevent costly outbreaks; for example, vaccinations against liver fluke can reduce infection rates by 40–50%.

 
4. Strengthen Infrastructure:

Wind-Resistant Buildings
Upgrade farm buildings using reinforced structures and materials designed to withstand high winds. Steel-framed sheds, for example, can endure gusts of up to 150km/h and have a lifespan of 40–50 years, offering long-term resilience.

Drainage Systems
Improve drainage around barns, fields, and access roads to minimise flooding in future storms. Field drains and buffer zones along waterways can reduce waterlogging by 60–80%, based on studies conducted in flood-prone areas.

Maintain Roads and Equipment
Keeping farm roads well-maintained ensures access during emergencies. Store machinery in elevated areas or secure sheds to protect it from water damage. In past storms, farmers who took these precautions saved up to €10,000 in repair or replacement costs for heavy machinery.

 
5. Build Resilience Through Diversification:

Crop Diversification
Planting a variety of crops, including flood-tolerant ones like winter wheat or perennial ryegrass, spreads risk and increases resilience. According to Teagasc, farms with diversified crops are 30% less likely to suffer catastrophic losses during extreme weather.

Water Management
Invest in rainwater harvesting systems to capture excess rainfall, which can then be used during dry spells. Wetlands or retention ponds are also effective for managing stormwater, helping to prevent floods and providing habitat for wildlife.

Emergency Planning
Develop a farm emergency plan that includes strategies for protecting livestock, crops, and equipment. Following Storm Desmond in 2015, farms with pre-planned emergency measures reported 20% less damage compared to those without.

Rain in the mountain pine forest

Supporting Farmers for a Sustainable Future

Storm Éowyn has highlighted the increasing vulnerabilities faced by Irish farmers due to climate change. The devastating effects of extreme weather events, such as flooding, soil erosion, and damage to essential infrastructure, are reminders of the urgent need to invest in sustainable farming practices that build resilience and secure long-term viability.

While recovery efforts in the wake of such storms are critical, proactive measures must also take priority. According to Met Éireann, Ireland is experiencing more frequent and intense storms, with rainfall levels increasing by approximately 6% in the last three decades. In addition, Teagasc estimates that climate change could result in a 10-20% reduction in crop yields for some Irish farms by 2050 if mitigation measures are not implemented.

At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we specialise in offering tailored advice and support to Irish farmers, helping them adapt to these growing challenges. Our services are designed to foster sustainable farming practices that not only protect against extreme weather but also enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.

Here’s just some ways how we can help:

Soil Testing and Management: Soil health is vital to the future of Irish farming. Our soil testing services provide insights into nutrient levels, pH balance, and erosion risks, allowing farmers to optimise soil quality and reduce vulnerability to flooding. Research has shown that improving soil structure through sustainable methods can increase water retention by up to 30%, a key benefit in managing Ireland’s high rainfall levels.


Infrastructure Planning: We work with farmers to design resilient infrastructure, from flood-resistant drainage systems to reinforced buildings and livestock shelters, ensuring your farm can withstand future storms.


Sustainability Assessments: Our tailored assessments focus on adopting eco-friendly practices such as multi-species swards, hedgerow restoration, and regenerative farming. These methods not only mitigate climate risks but also align with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2023, which aims to reduce agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030.


Flooded farmland due to heavy autumn rainfall

Conclusion

If your farm has been impacted by Storm Éowyn, our team is here to support you. From immediate recovery solutions to long-term resilience strategies, we’re committed to helping Irish farmers protect their livelihoods and the environment. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step towards building a sustainable future for your farm.


*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.