Herd owners urged to tally fodder needs
Drought conditions have caused many to begin opening silos early.
Livestock farmers have been urged to calculate their winter feed needs now to avoid shortages later in the year, as drought conditions have caused many to begin opening silos early.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said his Department will work with Teagasc to compile a National Fodder Survey and encouraged all farmers to carry out a fodder budget within the next two weeks.
Mr Heydon said Teagasc figures showed grass growth for the current year, was 5% above the five-year average up until the end of July.
However, severe soil moisture deficits (> 70 mm) in the eastern half of the country are leading to current grass growth rates of less than 10 kg DM/ha, with growth rates in the south approximately 20 kg DM/ha and in the west 50 kg DM/ha.
“While there is no shortage of fodder at present, grass growth is significantly impacted," he said.
“I urge all farmers to complete a fodder budget which will inform the Teagasc National Fodder Survey. The results of this survey are expected later this month and will provide a basis for farmers and the wider industry to assess the overall national and regional fodder supply situation.
"When the results of this survey are made available, consideration will be given to any necessary next steps, including reconvening the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.
"These fodder budgets are increasingly important given the impact of the recent drought on reduced grass growth and to inform any next steps that may need to be taken to ensure sufficient fodder at both a national and regional level.”
Herdkeepers can complete a fodder budget for their farm on Pasture Base or by contacting their local advisor.
Macra National president Josephine O’Neill said: “Farmers, particularly young farmers with limited financial and fodder reserves, cannot afford to wait until there is a crisis before action is taken.
“We need an immediate assessment of fodder stocks, grass growth and regional pressures so that contingency measures can be put in place now. Waiting until autumn or winter to determine the scale of the problem will simply be too late.”
