Reasonable winter feed for most, but options for other farmers

DESPITE poor growth in parts of May and June, most farmers have a reasonable winter feed supply following summer growth.

A lot of round bales have been made from surplus grass, and many farmers have made arrangements to buy in maize silage (which is a poor crop in many areas this year), fodder beet and other feeds, or have sown some rape or kale.

Some farmers who are low in winter feed supply will sell surplus stock. Due to a shortage of cattle there was very good value available in silage and grazing, and many farmers availed of this opportunity.