Important that ‘balance is struck’ in breeding and feeding planning this year

There are “sufficient supplies of animal feed at present” and Irish importers are “actively competing on the global market to ensure that supply continues uninterrupted”, McConalogue said.

Agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue has urged farmers to examine “whether they can make a contribution to grain security by growing additional grain”, and to “plan for that now”. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

As farmers look at the year ahead, it is important they make sure that while they are planning to breed, they are also planning to feed, agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue has stressed.

Speaking in the Seanad, Mr McConalogue said that a “balance” must be struck and that first and foremost, farmers must “grow enough grass for the year ahead, but also for the winter ahead”.