Exceptionally hard winter means fodder scheme will be required

MOST locations in the country have seen cattle kept indoors since October; in some places, it’s been that way since September.

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association, therefore, has called on Minister Charlie McConalogue to introduce a fodder-support scheme as a matter of urgency.

Farmers will need to replenish stock as the year goes on, and ICMSA President Denis Drennan has said the winter has put an enormous personal and financial strain on farmers emerging from a very challenging few months.

“We know from communications and contact with our farmer members and the wider industry that cashflow at farm level is extremely tight, and it’s also becoming clear that jobs that would normally be complete at this stage of the year have not even commenced across all farm sectors,” he said in recent days. “Farmers are weeks behind in their work schedules, and we think that a clear priority at this stage must be to provide guidance and assistance to farmers until animals get to grass and then support them in rebuilding fodder stock for the 24/25 winter.”

A similar scheme was required in 2022 and 2023, and

Mr Drennan said this will need to be repeated in 2024, although he said dairy farmers can’t be excluded like they were in 2023.

“The Minister should immediately announce a fodder support scheme and show that the Government recognises the unexpected challenges facing farmers and will support them through this difficult period,” he said. “But it’s just as important that this Fodder Scheme will not exclude dairy farmers, as was the unfair and unacceptable case in the last scheme.

“Whether you’re a dairy farmer, beef farmer, sheep farmer or tillage farmer, all are under pressure and the Minister needs to step up and provide support immediately.

“Neighbours are out there supporting neighbours, we need to see the Government adopt the same attitude immediately and show that they actually understand the serious challenges facing farmers.”