Single farm payment uncertainty intensifies suckler-cow costs debate

Daniel Hession says purchasing of additional fodder and herd mortality compound the problem

THE debate about the cost of keeping a suckler cow is intense. This year, farmers have to weigh that cost against the uncertainty of the single farm payment on which they are so dependent, and fears of another winter-fodder crisis.

They are adding up the extra costs of having bought additional fodder over the past year, and increased mortality costs in a hard year for herds.