Minister Heydon urges all farmers to complete a fodder budget
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today confirmed that his Department is liaising closely with Teagasc on the National Fodder Survey and encouraged all farmers to carry out a fodder budget which will assist them to take appropriate action to ensure sufficient fodder stocks for the coming winter.
The message from the Minister comes in response to the ongoing dry weather and the grass growth challenges being experienced by farmers across the country which is especially severe in the eastern half of the country.
The Minister said: “I recognise the impact that the ongoing drought is having on farms. While there is no shortage of fodder at present, grass growth is significantly impacted. Grass growth for the current year as monitored by Teagasc was 5% above the five-year average up until the end of July. However, severe soil moisture deficits (> 70 mm) in the eastern half of the country are leading to current grass growth rates of less than 10 kg DM/ha, with growth rates in the south approximately 20 kg DM/ha and in the west 50 kg DM/ha.”
Teagasc have commenced data collection for the National Fodder Survey. As in previous years, the survey will assess fodder stocks ahead of the coming winter.
The Minister added: “I urge all farmers to complete a fodder budget which will inform the Teagasc National Fodder Survey. The results of this survey are expected later this month and will provide a basis for farmers and the wider industry to assess the overall national and regional fodder supply situation. When the results of this survey are made available, consideration will be given to any necessary next steps, including reconvening the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.”
In the meantime, the advice from Teagasc to all livestock farmers is to continue grass measurement to assess pasture supply and growth rates on a weekly basis. Pasture supply deficits will need to be filled using a combination of grass silage and concentrate supplements while also considering autumn pasture management targets. Winter feed stocks will also need to be considered when deciding supplementation strategies.
Minister Heydon concluded: “I encourage all farmers to carry out their individual fodder budget in order to take action to ensure sufficient fodder for the winter ahead. These fodder budgets are increasingly important given the impact of the recent drought on reduced grass growth and to inform any next steps that may need to be taken to ensure sufficient fodder at both a national and regional level.”
All farmers can complete a fodder budget for their farm on Pasture Base here or by contacting their local advisor.
Farmers are urged to complete these budgets by 21 August.