Fodder survey data highlights the need for farmers to be aware of feed supply risks for the winter ahead

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 fertilizer applications and autumn rotation lengths to capitalise on grass growth recovery when the rain arrives.’

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.’

National Fodder and Food Security Committee – key outcomes

More than 50 representatives from across the sector participated in today’s meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. There was a clear recognition across the Committee of the significant pressure being experienced by farmers in the areas most affected by the prolonged dry weather, particularly in the South-East. In addition to the immediate impact on grass growth and fodder stocks, members highlighted the additional workload, financial pressures and stress being experienced on affected farms.

The central message from the meeting was the importance of acting early. Farmers who may face a winter fodder deficit were strongly encouraged to assess their position now and take steps to ensure that they are not left facing an acute feed shortage later in the winter or next spring.

The Committee highlighted the following key actions for livestock farmers:

• Establish the fodder position on the farm now through a winter feed budget and seek assistance from an adviser where required.
• Plan feed requirements through the remainder of the drought, autumn and full winter housing period. Where stocks are tight, develop a plan now to stretch available conserved forage over the full period for which it may be required.
• Identify potential feed gaps early and take action to fill them. Farmers should consider the availability and cost of straw, hay, silage and other locally available forage sources, together with suitable high-fibre concentrate feeds or alternative feeds that can safely offset forage deficits in winter diets.
• Manage autumn grass carefully. Fertiliser applications should be targeted when grass growth begins to recover following rainfall, while extending grazing rotations will be important to allow grass covers to rebuild ahead of the autumn.
• Plan slurry applications. Additional summer housing and supplementary feeding have resulted in greater-than-normal slurry accumulation on some farms. Farmers should plan now to ensure tanks are emptied ahead of the slurry closed period, while complying with all applicable regulations.
• Assess the financial implications. Where additional feed purchases or other costs are likely to put pressure on farm cashflow, farmers should engage early with their banks and other relevant credit providers.
• Seek advice early. Farmers are encouraged to engage with their advisor to develop a plan appropriate to their individual circumstances.

The Committee also heard of the significant difficulties caused by drought conditions for the tillage and horticulture sectors, including impacts on crop performance, yields and production costs. Members highlighted the wider importance of maintaining Ireland’s indigenous crop and horticultural production base to the resilience of the national feed and food supply chain.

The meeting also recognised that the prolonged drought has created substantial additional workload and stress for many farmers. Farmers experiencing pressure are strongly encouraged to speak with family members, neighbouring farmers, advisors and other farm support and wellbeing services that are available.

The Committee concluded that the situation will need to be kept under close review over the coming weeks as the impact of rainfall, grass growth recovery and autumn fodder production becomes clearer. Members committed to continuing to share information across the sector and to reinforcing consistent advice to farmers, with a particular focus on early planning and practical action on farms where winter feed supplies are at risk.

Commenting following the meeting, Mike Magan, Chairperson of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, said: “Today’s meeting showed the value of bringing all parts of the sector together at times when farmers are facing significant challenges. The situation varies considerably across the country, but there is no doubt that the prolonged dry weather has placed real pressure on many farms, particularly in the South-East. The message to farmers is very clear: assess your position and act now. Complete a fodder budget, make a plan for the months ahead and, where additional feed is likely to be needed, begin sourcing it early.

“We also recognise the additional workload, financial pressure and stress that these conditions are creating for farm families. Farmers should make use of the advice and supports available to them and talk to their advisor, their co-op, their bank and, importantly, to family, neighbours and fellow farmers. The Committee will continue to monitor the position closely and work collectively to help farmers manage through the months ahead.”

For further details, the Teagasc presentations delivered to the National Fodder and Food Security Committee are available to view here