Low grass growth causing fodder crisis
The fodder crisis is worse on farms where the purchase of outside fodder seems cost-prohibitive, simply due to lack of funds.
With the cold weather set to continue for the short-term, firstly, quantify the amount of silage, fodder and grazing available on your farm.
Calculate how long your existing silage stocks will last, based on current feed demand.
Assess what the level of grass cover is on the farm, and how many grazing days are available without risking poaching or over-grazing.
Knowing your feed demand, and your available grass cover and silage stocks, will enable you to assess your farm-feed shortage.
Plan ahead and don’t wait until you are out of feed.
Remember, that it will take a number of weeks for grass regrowth, given the sub-normal soil and air temperatures.
If you are short of feed, weigh up your options for stretching existing fodder, such as adding straw and concentrates where silage is running low.
Teagasc, and other advisors, can prepare a feed plan, working out what mix of feed you can use to supplement existing resources.
Feed animals according to their needs.
Even if cash flow seems too tight to buy-in feed, discuss the situation with trusted neighbours, friends, your co-op, and your local Teagasc advisor — each of whom may be able to give you options.
For some farmers, it might be possible to offload stock nearing finishing; in other cases, it may be necessary to reduce stock numbers.
IFA deputy president, Eddie Downey, has called on co-ops, feed mills and banks to stand by their farmer customers, and do everything to ensure adequate feed and cash-flow is provided during this difficult period.
He also appealed to farmers with surplus fodder to make this available to farmers who face serious shortages.
The number of fallen animals seems much higher than other years, and this is, possibly, a reflection of lower animal-condition scores, poor feed quality, and, in some instances, under-feeding.
On cash-flow management, your bank manager may be able to give a temporary or informal extension to the farm overdraft facility.
Alternatively, a few cheques may be allowed to break an overdraft limit, if pre-agreed with your bank manager.
In all cases, you should discuss the seriousness of your own situation with your manager, and, if necessary, with your bank’s agri-advisor.
On a medium-term basis, it might be necessary to draw down additional credit lines, such as a stocking loan, or, in some cases, restructure existing loans, to allow a bit of breathing space.
Keep tabs on your spending, and if you intend on running up credit beyond normal levels with your co-op or merchant, as part of your fodder strategy, only do so after informing them of your predicament, and your to plan clear the debts in due course.
Overall, the outlook is positive, with exceptional beef prices, higher milk prices, and a levelling-off of feedstuff prices. But it’s important to work through the next couple of weeks to ensure animals are adequately taken care of.
