Meeting of national fodder committee expected this week as farmers fear a crisis is unfolding
The minister said that Teagasc has advised that silage is available to purchase, and that some farmers had included the option of purchasing fodder in their winter feed budgeting plans.
A meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee is expected to take place this week as farmers voice their concerns that a crisis could unfold.Â
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue confirmed on Tuesday that he has requested a meeting to be held in recognition of ongoing and challenging weather conditions.
"Grass growth over the winter period has yielded strong pasture covers on farms, however, difficult weather conditions are delaying or restricting turnout," Mr McConalogue said.Â
"The challenge is more pronounced in certain parts of the country particularly where early grazing is a key management tool."Â
The minister said that Teagasc has advised that silage is available to purchase, and that some farmers had included the option of purchasing fodder in their winter feed budgeting plans.
Mr McConalogue added: “It is important that the committee establishes the most up-to-date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and provides advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.”
The Irish Farmers' Association has this week warned that there is a "deepening crisis" on farms due to the persistent wet weather and while all sectors are suffering, tillage is at “breaking point”.
Farmers are unable to plant and sow their crops so far this year, and this follows a “horrendous” harvest last year where they incurred big losses, IFA president Francie Gorman has said.
“It is stated Government policy to increase the amount of tillage in the country, but instead it is contracting. The Government must come forward with urgent supports to keep tillage farmers in business. If the Government doesn’t act now, lasting damage will be done,” he said.
“The ongoing weather conditions have delayed planting and sowing. The situation arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing huge uncertainty in grain markets leaving farmers in a precarious position."
He said he has raised this with the Government, urging them to introduce “critical” intervention without delay.
“Farmers are under huge pressure at present. It is hugely difficult to get into our fields to plant crops or graze our animals,” Mr Gorman said.
“This is putting extra costs into the system and leading to a much heavier workload.”
Farmers have urged the minister to introduce a fodder support scheme immediately.
With cattle housed in many parts of the country since last September and in most areas since early October, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association said that action is needed to address what has been an "exceptionally long and wet winter period necessitating prolonged housing and the obvious need to replenish stocks as the year progresses".
A fodder scheme was in place in 2022 and 2023, which aimed to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder.
ICMSA president Denis Drennan said that the winter period has placed an "enormous mental strain on farmers from a financial and personal perspective and farmers were doing their utmost to manage their way through an extremely difficult spring".
Macra said that it is "crucial" that the fodder committee meets as soon as possible.
Macra president Elaine Houlihan said that farmers are facing "difficult decisions" in the coming days regarding fodder supplies, grassland management, future fodder stocks and cereal planting.
"Weather conditions remain challenging, and farmers need support and advice around future fodder decisions at farm level," Ms Houlihan said.
Met Éireann has said that over the coming days, unsettled weather with frequent rain and showers can be expected.
