Fodder remains a challenge despite grass growth

Stockkeepers have been urged to assess winter feed stocks and address shortages early, as significant regional disparities remain following the summer drought

Stockkeepers have been urged to assess winter feed stocks and address shortages early, as significant regional disparities remain following the summer drought. File picture

The fodder challenge facing Irish stock keepers has not disappeared despite a significant recovery in grass growth following recent rainfall, the National Fodder and Food Security Committee has warned.

The committee met at Teagasc’s Oak Park facility in Co Carlow on Monday to review the continuing effects of the 2026 drought on grass production and fodder supplies.

Teagasc data presented at the meeting showed that grass growth had recovered significantly over the previous 10 days. However, cumulative grass production remains below normal levels.

PastureBase Ireland farms have grown an average of 9,219kg of dry matter per hectare so far this year. This is 412kg below the five-year average, 1,148kg below 2025 levels and 1,072kg below the 10-year average.

Committee chairman Mike Magan said the recent improvement in conditions should not lead to complacency.

“The situation has improved in some respects since we last met, particularly with the recovery in grass growth, but the underlying fodder challenge has not disappeared,” he said.

“There are areas, particularly in the south-east, where farmers remain under very considerable pressure.

“The strongest message from today is that there is a lot that can still be done now. Farmers should assess their own position, make the best possible use of grass growth over the coming weeks, complete both fodder and financial budgets and address any likely shortfall early.” 

Farmers were advised to maximise feed production during the remainder of the autumn by measuring farm covers, planning grazing and making judicious use of fertiliser and slurry within the permitted application periods.

Where grass growth rates exceed 35kg of dry matter per hectare, 25kg of nitrogen per hectare, or 20 units per acre, should be applied before September 14. 

Where growth rates are lower, the application of 15kg of nitrogen per hectare, or 12 units per acre, should be considered.

The committee cautioned that declining day length would soon begin to restrict grass growth and that excessive fertiliser applications would not be used efficiently.