Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed told RTÉ Radio 1 this Thursday morning that he and the farming industry needed to work together to "close the gap for the winter" as fodder supplies dwindle in the ongoing drought.

Asked about the urgent call for action to link tillage and livestock farmers in this week's Irish Farmers Journal editorial, Minister Creed acknowledged that land was available to grow forage crops. "It is an evolving situation. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to come out the other side of this," he added.

"It is important for farmers to know that there is a recognition of the difficulty they are going through," Minister Creed said. "I acknowledge that this is an extremely difficult and stressful situation."

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He urged farmers to take care of themselves first and seek help from his Department, farm advisers and support schemes already available from a number of co-ops and banks.

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