Connacht Gold arranges hay imports from England

As part of its support for farmers during the current animal feed crisis, Connacht Gold has arranged for the importation of hay from England.
The first load of hay arrived at the Connacht Gold store in Athleague, Co Roscommon today (Friday 26 April). Further loads will arrive at other Connacht Gold stores, including the Athlone base in Moydrum Business Park over the coming days.
Connacht Gold chief executive Aaron Forde said the hay is being sold at cost price and the cost of transport will be reduced significantly by the special fund established this week by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney.
In another initiative to help farmers through the current crisis, Connacht Gold has introduced a range of low cost supplementary feeds that will help farmers stretch the limited amount of silage, hay and straw. These feeds are also been sold at cost price.
Aaron Forde advised farmers to contact their local store manager about these lower cost feeds. “We are acutely conscious of the grave difficulties being experienced by farmers and are committed to doing everything possible to help. I am pleased to state that Connacht Gold is currently paying the highest price in the country for manufacturing milk and this will be of assistance to dairy farmers in alleviating the burden of increased costs,” Mr Forde said.
Managers in Connacht Gold stores and livestock marts are also involved in co-ordinating the supply of fodder in order to ensure that farmers have access to whatever supplies are available across the region.