Fodder donation helps farmers
West Cork ICSA chair Dermot Kelleher had raised the alarm on local radio programmes, as animal casualties continued to rise across the area, and the dead animals had to be left on the farms for many days awaiting collection, due to the surge in casualties. Wet-land areas were worst hit.
Local farmer and county councillor Declan Hurley also went on radio to outline the reality for him and otherbadly affected farmers.
Immediately, following the radio appeals, a donation of fodder was made available for the worst affected farmers in the Dunmanway area by a farmer who wished to remain anonymous.
The grass was cut and baled, and transported by three tractors and trailers from Clonakilty to Dunmanway last Saturday, with stop-off points for distribution to farmers.
The distribution was supervised by Teagasc advisor Eugene Hayes, who has been involved with farmers throughout the fodder crisis.
He said this distribution simply met immediate needs only, and has not solved the serious local fodder problem, but a relief effort by co-ops importing feed from the UK is now coming to the rescue of the worst hit farmers.
Dermot Kelleher of ICSA praised the unity of farmers, and said many of them are helping out their neighbours.
“It is very heartening to receive these bales from the very generous donor.”
Mr Kelleher also commended several co-ops who have sourced hay from the UK.
He added, “The shortage of fodder is taking its toll on the livestock, as the number of animal casualties rises day by day, but it is also having a huge negative effect on the farmers themselves, and I would remind all farmers under pressure to remember that this problem is temporary, despite its seriousness, and that help is available if it is needed.”
