A recent Teagasc survey of 364 farmers across the country showed that over 70% of them did not plan on selling surplus silage.
The figures highlight the difficulty people had last summer to make an adequate supply of winter fodder, with farmers cautious about selling any surplus fodder in case of a prolonged spring period.
The survey also showed that three-quarters of participants had enough silage on farms to last the winter period.
Fodder deficit
However, some farmers still reported a fodder deficit.
“While, on average, farmers have reported having enough fodder on hands, one in four farmers reported a fodder deficit, with over half of these reporting a deficit of greater than 10%,” Teagasc ruminant nutrition specialist Brian Garry said.
Over one third of farmers experiencing a fodder deficit were stretching their supplies using concentrates
“The effects of last summer’s drought could still be felt this spring.
"This situation could be exacerbated if we get a late spring, resulting in a later turnout than planned on the farms completing this survey.”
Over one third of farmers experiencing a fodder deficit were stretching their supplies using concentrates.
Brian Garry reminded farmers to take care of their physical and mental health during the busy spring calving period.
Read more
High-quality silage means lower costs
Watch: convoy of trucks bring hay and fodder to drought-hit farmers
A recent Teagasc survey of 364 farmers across the country showed that over 70% of them did not plan on selling surplus silage.
The figures highlight the difficulty people had last summer to make an adequate supply of winter fodder, with farmers cautious about selling any surplus fodder in case of a prolonged spring period.
The survey also showed that three-quarters of participants had enough silage on farms to last the winter period.
Fodder deficit
However, some farmers still reported a fodder deficit.
“While, on average, farmers have reported having enough fodder on hands, one in four farmers reported a fodder deficit, with over half of these reporting a deficit of greater than 10%,” Teagasc ruminant nutrition specialist Brian Garry said.
Over one third of farmers experiencing a fodder deficit were stretching their supplies using concentrates
“The effects of last summer’s drought could still be felt this spring.
"This situation could be exacerbated if we get a late spring, resulting in a later turnout than planned on the farms completing this survey.”
Over one third of farmers experiencing a fodder deficit were stretching their supplies using concentrates.
Brian Garry reminded farmers to take care of their physical and mental health during the busy spring calving period.
Read more
High-quality silage means lower costs
Watch: convoy of trucks bring hay and fodder to drought-hit farmers
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