Rain playing havoc with farm work

STOCKS of fodder, hay and silage are running low in many parts of the country as heavy rain over the weekend played further havoc with farm work.

Land is flooded in places, tillage planting, delayed in many areas following the decision to close the sugar industry, has been further disrupted and farmers have begun to ration or purchase scarce fodder supplies.

Prices of €35 per round bale of hay and €25 per bale of silage are being paid, as farmers, who have taken animals off pastures in places, hope for improved weather conditions and better spring grass growth.