Careful budgeting of remaining fodder stocks essential

Ground conditions have improved due to the recent dry spell, but farmers have been warned of the need to continue careful budgeting of remaining fodder stocks.

Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Simon Coveney welcomed the fine weather after the very wet winter this year. “On drier ground, this will allow some field work to be carried out and provide opportunities to reduce pressure on slurry storage tanks and to apply some early fertiliser.”

Mr Coveney said, in all areas of the country, rainfall has been well above the long-term average and in many areas this winter has been the wettest since records began.

“This has posed significant challenges for farmers trying to manage out-wintered livestock and in particular to manage slurry storage facilities,” he said.

Mr Coveney said farmers have been very proactive in recent years, putting in place improved slurry storage facilities and managing these effectively over a very difficult period.

“This is very positive from an environmental point of view and underlines our green credentials,” he said.

Stressing the continued need for budgeting remaining fodder stocks, the minister said he had asked his officials to liaise with Teagasc on an ongoing basis and provide him with fortnightly updates.

“Fodder reserves remain available within the country, but it is critical that stocks are well managed and stretched as much as possible.”