Farmers urged to budget fodder stocks after recent heavy rainfall

Farmers should budget their remaining fodder stocks in response to the sustained rainfall, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has warned.

He noted that, despite a difficult start to 2013, silage and hay production was excellent last year both in terms of quality and quantity. Significant volumes of alternatives such as fodder beet, maize, and straw were also conserved.

He added that concentrate feeds have come down significantly in price from last year. Used strategically, these feeds can allow fodder stocks to be extended. Subject to normal turn-out of stock, fodder reserves should be sufficient within the country, he said.