Some 615 farmers are seeking fodder on the Teagasc forage register, more than double the amount, 275, who have fodder to sell on the register.

However Teagasc has said a lot of fodder is trading locally outside the register.

Farmers who are in need of fodder can contact Teagasc for advice, regardless of whether they are a Teagasc client or not.

Farmers can also phone or text 087-7971377 to speak to a Teagasc person for assistance.

The general advice is to stretch existing fodder stocks for the next three weeks, use meals to fill the gap and save silage and for dairy farmers to consider concentrates three times per day.

Teagasc is urging farmers to walk the farm to assess grass covers and the driest fields for grazing, get fertiliser out on dry fields as soon as possible and delay starting the second grazing rotation until after mid-April.

It is also urging farmers to farm safely during this stressful time.