Nearly one in five farms will feel fodder hit

PROGRESS has been made on closing the fodder gap for the winter ahead according to the latest figures released by the State’s agriculture and food development authority .

The most recent Teagasc fodder survey has revealed a significant closing of the gap nationally with just a one per cent national shortfall in fodder now in existence.

Minister Michael Creed said that it was clear from the latest survey that the various support interventions have contributed to reducing the fodder deficit that was considered by Teagasc to be potentially as high as 28 per cent in July to just a one per cent deficit in November.

However, Minister Creed stressed the need to “remain vigilant and avoid complacency” as winter approaches.

“Even now, up to one in five farms remain in excess of ten per cent deficit. The principles of Fodder Budgeting should continue to apply on farms over the winter and I have asked the Inter-Agency Fodder group Group to continue to monitor the situation,” he said.

He also said that the collaborative effort of stakeholders in the group, working together, had helped to guide farmers through a difficult period, and avert a significant fodder problem on many farms for this winter and spring.

Over 19,600 hectares of additional crops were sown by 1,700 arable farmers under the fodder production incentive measure that was put in place for arable farmers.

This was in addition to the 23,000 hectares sown annually under the current measure within the GLAS scheme.

The extension to the spreading period for chemical and organic fertiliser allowed farmers to maximise the amount of conserved fodder in what has been an excellent Autumn period for production and utilisation of grass.

Minister Creed stressed that those farmers still in deficit can avail of additional fodder through the Fodder Import Support measure which provides a contribution towards the importation of up to 85,000 tonnes of fodder, this measure will remain open until the end of the year.

He conveyed his appreciation to all of those who had participated in the Inter Agency Fodder Group.

“It is essential that all involved learn from this experience and the sector plans for the future, to ensure that Irish farmers are in a good position to deal with extraordinary weather events should they arise in the future,” the Minister said.