ICSA president calls on Government to address "problem" fodder supplies

Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) president Sean McNamara has called on the Government to "act now" to address the growing pressure on fodder supplies.

The Westmeath farm leader said farmers are feeling the impact of the dry weather, with "grass growth severely restricted in many areas and winter fodder being used earlier than planned".

"We need to act now to grow as much fodder as possible, protect supplies for the winter and make sure farmers can access affordable feed,” he said.

Mr McNamara was speaking ahead of a meeting convened by Minister Heydon with farming organisations in Backweston to discuss the impact of the ongoing dry weather on farms.

Mr McNamara said the drought was not just a fodder problem but an income problem for livestock farmers.

“Farmers are already facing higher costs because they are having to buy more feed and use winter fodder earlier than planned. This is putting a real financial strain on livestock farms and that has to be recognised in any Government response. Farmers need financial support when the pressure is happening, not 12 months down the line," the president stated.

He said that while the Teagasc fodder survey will be important, farmers cannot wait for the results before action is taken.

“The Government needs to recognise there is a problem now and look at every practical measure to increase fodder production in the coming weeks. We need to grow what we can now.

"Farmers should be allowed to cut riparian zones before September 1, and the deadline for chemical fertiliser application should be extended beyond September 15 on a once-off basis.

"We also need support for seed for fast-growing forage crops such as Westerwold and rye, as well as support for catch crops to facilitate extended grazing and free up ground for winter silage," he added.

Mr McNamara said available feed also needed to be moved to where it was needed.

“There is no point having grain or fodder available in one part of the country if farmers elsewhere cannot access it at an affordable price. Co-ops should audit available feed stocks so we know who has feed for sale and where farmers need supplies. We also need support for farmers to buy locally produced grain and haulage support to get that feed where it is needed," the president continued.

He said the impact of the drought on the livestock market also needed to be considered.

“If farmers are forced to sell livestock earlier because of grass and fodder shortages, there could be a significant increase in animals coming onto the market.

"We also need to be conscious of the potential for an influx of dairy cows going to factories later in the year, which could put additional pressure on the beef market.

"We need to look at alternative outlets for these animals rather than allowing a large volume to hit the factory market at the same time. The last thing farmers need is for drought pressure to be used as an excuse to push beef or lamb prices backwards. Farmers are already carrying significant additional costs and they cannot afford another hit on prices," he said.

He said farmers could be facing an even bigger pressure point in spring 2027 if winter fodder supplies are depleted.

“We need to start planning now, including consideration of whether slurry spreading could be allowed earlier next spring if conditions allow," the president concluded.