Dairygold to boost inter-farm trading with maize pilot programme
Dairygold Co-op, assisted by Teagasc, will run a maize pilot programme this year, based on new initiatives to develop inter-farm trading of forages.
According to Teagasc, new ideas are emerging where an intermediary can help to link and facilitate farmer-to-farmer trade.
The Dairygold pilot programme is expected to utilise the co-op’s branch network to weigh loads of maize before delivery, and the co-op structure can be used to allay farmers’ fears of non-payment or non-delivery by both parties in fodder trading.
It is envisaged the maize will be analysed for dry matter and starch to ensure the grower is rewarded for producing a quality crop and the end user is charged a fair price.
The Teagasc maize agreement template can be used to agree the price and payment structure.
Teagasc tillage specialist Ciaran Collins said: “There is a terrific opportunity for tillage farmers to structure a deal with livestock farmers to produce high quality forages and at the same time include an excellent rotational crop on the farm and if the distance allows, also include the use for organic manures onto the tillage land. Diversification in a year of limited options for tillage farmer will bring longer term benefits to the soils and will result in higher yields in the next crops.”
These ideas are seen as crucial after a decade of tillage and livestock farmers working together to grow and supply fodder, but sustainable farm-to-farm trading has not taken off, other than locally.
Now, the fodder crisis challenges everybody to come up with innovative solutions to replenish fodder reserves and reduce the risk of repeat fodder shortages.
Tom O’Dwyer, head of dairy knowledge transfer in Teagasc, said: “Sourcing maize close to the farm can be an issue, therefore farmers further apart may need to work together. This can be eased considerably where there is an intermediary to help facilitate the arrangement.”
Teagasc advisers say they will assist all agricultural merchants by matching forage buyers and sellers locally, if farmers interested in growing or purchasing forages (maize, beet, wholecrop cereals, etc) contact their local Teagasc adviser.
