Three quarters of NI livestock farmers intend to spread less fertiliser this year. / Donal O'Leary
ADVERTISEMENT
There is a risk of a fodder shortage occurring on NI farms next winter because less fertiliser was spread in the spring and early summer, according to Jason Rankin from AgriSearch.
As reported in last weeks’ edition, a survey of over 800 NI farmers conducted by AgriSearch and the UFU found 52% of respondents have no plans to reduce livestock numbers this year.
However, three-quarters of livestock farmers intend to spread less fertiliser this year and over half of respondents plan on feeding less concentrates.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Farmers are doing something entirely different and are expecting the same result,” Rankin suggested.
Speaking at Balmoral Show, he pointed out the best response from fertiliser in terms of grass growth occurs in May and June.
“If you are going to save on fertiliser, do it in August. This is not the time of year to do it,” Rankin said.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
There is a risk of a fodder shortage occurring on NI farms next winter because less fertiliser was spread in the spring and early summer, according to Jason Rankin from AgriSearch.
As reported in last weeks’ edition, a survey of over 800 NI farmers conducted by AgriSearch and the UFU found 52% of respondents have no plans to reduce livestock numbers this year.
However, three-quarters of livestock farmers intend to spread less fertiliser this year and over half of respondents plan on feeding less concentrates.
“Farmers are doing something entirely different and are expecting the same result,” Rankin suggested.
Speaking at Balmoral Show, he pointed out the best response from fertiliser in terms of grass growth occurs in May and June.
“If you are going to save on fertiliser, do it in August. This is not the time of year to do it,” Rankin said.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS