Concern for winter fodder has become an all-island concern, as the UFU reports that a number of its members are worried they will suffer from winter shortages.

“We have received a number of calls from farmers who are worried, mainly from the Co Down area, but we are hearing reports that grass yields are down across the countryside,” Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president Ivor Ferguson said.

Grass growth has been pitifully low north and south of the border, with persistent drought conditions forcing many farmers to feed first-cut silage and preventing second-cut being made.

Government reaction

Minister for Agricultural Michael Creed told RTÉ that the government was monitoring the “extremely difficult” situation.

Teagasc has stated that with farmers feeding first-cut silage, many are now suffering from a fodder shortfall of up to 30%.

The ICMSA has already suggested that the government in the Republic of Ireland should import fodder as drought conditions on the Continent spell a potential European fodder shortage.

However, without a Northern Ireland assembly in operation to make political decisions, farmers in the north are relying on the advice and guidance of their Department of Agriculture (DAERA).

The UFU has urged farmers to avail of the fodder advice offered by DAERA, carry out a fodder budget and act on it now.

Read more

Weekend weather: drought to continue in the east, rain for the west

Fire warning extended