Creed makes fodder crop plea
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has appealed to farmers with lower stocking density to consider growing fodder cash crops which could be used by farmers nationally who are short of winter fodder.
He said this message is going out through Teagasc and the co-ops.
“But those farmers are unfortunately harder to reach than others.
“They are not the ones who are participating in, for example, the knowledge transfer scheme.
“At this point, every opportunity must be taken.”
He said all farmers affected by the ongoing drought, including non-Teagasc clients, can avail of the helpline service and local clinics set up by Teagasc.
The 087 7971377 advice helpline is available daily from 9am to 9pm.
He also said some of the spring barley appears likely to be of very low quality.
“Our information is that this will apply to a minority of the crop, but there may be opportunities for whole-crop silage rather than proceeding to tillage, where the yield in terms of tonnage of grain and straw would be low, whereas the feed value may be of higher benefit.
“I believe that needs to be looked at for the winter ahead, as well as the opportunities in regard to other crops like kale or turnips.”
At Monday’s EU agriculture ministers council, several member states reported severe drought conditions and concerns about availability of feed and the condition of livestock, and expressed solidarity with Poland, which requested the EU Commission to introduce exceptional measures to support farmers.
The commission said it will allow derogations from greening obligations.
