Farmers call for help over fodder crisis

THE Government has been urged to import cattle fodder from overseas “as soon as possible” in response to the drought.

An unusually hot and dry summer, coupled with late snow in spring, has impacted on the quantity and quality of feed harvested on farms.

The President of the Irish Farmers’ Association said an urgent fodder import scheme needs to be part of a Government response to help co-ops and merchants.

Joe Healy said: “Farmers will save as much as they can but it’s unlikely we can grow enough.

“An import scheme would help meet demand.”