Shortage of feed blamed on wet weather conditions
Analysis of grass silage samples from the 2002 harvest has shown a marked drop in feeding value, compared to previous years, because of the wet conditions and poor harvesting climate in June, when most crops were cut.
The price to be paid by farmers for the inferior quality winter fed conserved last summer is being calculated at up to double the normal bill for winter concentrates, for maintenance of their livestock and to achieve beef and milk production levels.
