Only one third of farmers have sufficient fodder stocks for winter

Almost two thirds of farmers need to save more silage and hay for next winter, according to a Teagasc fodder census survey.

The Teagasc survey of 975 farmers found that just one third say they would have adequate fodder stocks for the coming winter. There is an overall average deficit of 12% across the country.

This was more acute for the 64% of farmers who are facing a fodder deficit, where the shortage is estimated to be 23%, or 201 tonnes.