Dairy co-ops to handle urgent fodder needs

Farmers have been instructed by the Government to contact the local dairy co-op and tell them how much fodder they need.

The Department of Agriculture will pay co-ops a contribution towards fodder-transport costs, which will be reflected in the ultimate price to farmers. Allocating €1m for an imported fodder-transport scheme, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said it would reduce the cost (by about one third for a bale of hay) to farmers of hay, silage, and haylage imported between Apr 15 and May 3.

Application forms, and terms and conditions, are being made available through co-ops, which will facilitate farmers who need urgent fodder supplies, whether or not they are existing customers or suppliers.