ICMSA highlights drought dangers

DROUGHT conditions are posing serious difficulties for farmers, according to the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) president Jackie Cahill.

He said these conditions are hitting current farm practices and have serious implications for the winter.

“It is essential that Teagasc, in particular, and our co-ops play a central role in assisting farmers in overcoming their current difficulties,” he said.

Mr Cahill said many farmers have had no rain of consequence since May with the result that grass is scarce and “second cut” silage almost non-existent.

An additional consideration is that “first cut” crop was smaller than previous years. Milk yield has also declined while feed costs have escalated, putting farm incomes under more pressure.

The ICMSA president said Teagasc must now take a leading role in developing low-cost strategies to help farmersas fodder supplies are likely to be scarce.

Mr Cahill highlighted the key role to be played by the co-op, firstly, by holding the price of milk for the rest of this year and, secondly, by providing farmers with a low-cost ration to make up feed deficiencies.

“Co-ops must provide a low-cost ration for farmers to make up for the fodder shortage,” he said.

Mr Cahill said the ICMSA had indicated that Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan could also play a role by ensuring that disadvantaged areas and the single farm payments were brought forward and by allowing set-aside land to be harvested or grazed now.