Fodder survey data highlights the need for farmers to be aware of feed supply risks for the winter ahead
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee was convened today, Friday, 21 August 2026, by Chairperson, Mike Magan, at the request of Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. The meeting was held on foot of the ongoing drought conditions in many parts of the country.
The results of the Teagasc Fodder Survey were amongst the data presented at the meeting. Over the last number of weeks, Teagasc advisers have been completing preliminary winter fodder budgets for drystock and dairy farmer clients nationwide. This work forms part of an on-going advisory programme to promote feed security and budgeting on livestock farms. The data in this survey adds to data emerging from PastureBase Ireland and from other survey data sources across the sector.
Data were collected on farms in early August after completion of the majority of planned second silage cuts. However, second cuts did not materialise for numerous participating farms this year due to drought, and this is reflected in the survey returns.
Survey feed budgets were collated by region and by enterprise (dairy and drystock):
- Midlands / North East: Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath
- South East: Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow
- South West: Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick
- North West: Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo
The national picture shows that on average, 42% of dairy and drystock farms are on target for adequate winter fodder supplies with a further 27% close to having adequate winter feed conserved. There are 12% of farms with significant winter feed deficits and a further 19% at risk of significant shortages (Table 1).
Table 1: Winter forage supply by region August 2026 (%)
| Midlands/NE | South East | North West | South West | Overall | |
| Surplus feed | 19 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 11 |
| On target | 32 | 23 | 34 | 36 | 31 |
| Deficit <10% | 25 | 31 | 27 | 23 | 27 |
| Deficit 10-20% | 12 | 24 | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| Deficit >20% | 12 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
There is considerable regional variation in the feed supply situation, with the South East region having the greatest proportion of farms in the high-risk categories. Farms in this region also reported heavier usage of supplementary feeding during July and August due to the lack of grass supply during drought.
When analysed by enterprise, 12% of dairy farms and 10% of drystock farms reported shortages of more than 20%, while 34% of dairy farms and 42% of drystock farms reported adequate, or surplus feed stocks. Overall, there is an average of approximately 140 days available feed on farm.
Commenting on the results of the survey: Joe Patton, Teagasc Survey Co-Ordinator: ‘Teagasc has conducted fodder surveys annually over the last decade, and this year’s returns show a tighter supply of feed nationally compared to recent years. This is especially the case in the south-eastern counties, where a proportion of farms have used up feed surpluses and are now facing into deficit situations.
“We encourage all farms to complete a budget and to review and update their own situation in good time.”
Michael O’Donovan, Teagasc Grassland Science, said: ‘The feed budgeting function in PastureBase Ireland is proving very useful for assessing winter feed stocks and the effects of changes such as earlier culling.
“Our results indicate that farms have an average of 140 days’ feed supply on hand, but the range is quite large so there is a need to look at farms on a case-by-case basis. It is important now to plan fertiliser applications and autumn rotation lengths to capitalise on grass growth recovery when the rain arrives,” Michael O’Donovan added.
Tom Curran, Head of Advisory Services in Teagasc said: ‘The survey confirms that nationally there is a very variable supply of conserved feed on farms. This is no surprise given the high levels of forage fed in many cases across the summer. Challenges exist across drystock and dairy farms alike and it is clear that actions to improve supply, or reduce demand, will be essential. Numerous options are available and our Teagasc advisors will help with these decisions. Finally, Teagasc would like to thank the farmers who participated in the survey.”