40% of farmers have significant fodder deficit - IFA

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has reported that 40% of farmers are facing a significant shortfall in the fodder required for winter. This issue arose following a meeting on Tuesday in Co Kildare between the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, and various farming groups, including Teagasc, the IFA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, and Macra na Feirme.

The gathering was convened in response to the farming community's growing concerns over fodder supplies due to the ongoing drought conditions caused by the hot and dry summer weather.

Minister Heydon assured that the government would consider providing additional support to tackle the fodder supply concerns as part of the upcoming budget. However, Mr. Gorman, the IFA president, stated that no decisions were made at the meeting other than the establishment of the Fodder and Food Security Committee. Farmers are eagerly awaiting further action from the government and department.

The IFA emphasized that a survey of farmers conducted a week ago was not sufficient and that they require more substantial action from the authorities.

Mr. Gorman highlighted that farmers are already utilizing their winter fodder budgets, expressing his meeting with other farm organizations and Teagasc. He pointed out that the situation is particularly serious in the eastern and southern eastern parts of the country, stating that farmers cannot grow grass under the current unfavorable weather conditions, which presents a significant cost issue and increased workload for them.

Initially, the department was asked to co-fund the fertilizer strategy proposed by Commissioner Hansen, but no such announcement was made during the meeting.