Farmers have been advised not to panic against a background of reports of farming difficulties caused by poor weather.
The national silage harvest is already two weeks behind schedule, and farmers on wetter soils have had to bring their cattle back off grazing into sheds because of rain.
According to Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, a scientific assessment of conditions would indicate that they were now at a "disruptive rather than a panic stage".
"However, the only difference in rainfall levels between this year and the very difficult conditions last year is that all the rain fell in 12 consequent days after election day, May 18th, last year," said Mr Michael Miley, Teagasc's press officer.
Over most parts of the country silage harvesting was at least a fortnight behind schedule, but as it was early in the season farmers could catch up on the harvest if the weather improved.
"We are advising farmers not to attempt to harvest silage if there is going to be any traffic damage to the land. We are asking them to hold back," he said. He confirmed there were many reports of cattle having to be brought back into sheds off forage ground in heavier soils.
"Temperatures have been so low that grass growth is below normal," he said. Cereal farmers were also experiencing some difficulty with spring barley because of diseases.
Vegetable production was also suffering, and potato-growers were being urged to spray against blight. Some farmers had managed to harvest early potatoes last weekend.
Mr Tom Murphy, director of the Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland (PAC), said his 600 members, who contract to make 90 per cent of the State's silage harvest, were very worried.
"Millions of pounds worth of machinery is sitting up idle in most of the country, waiting for the weather to take up. It is a very difficult time for them," he said.