Feed sales in the south and southeast are coming close to 2018 levels, with the tonnage up 20-30% on last year, as a result of the worsening drought, some private mills have confirmed.

Feed sales are extremely strong across Leinster and east Munster, with one Cork-based feed supplier estimating that sales this summer are running 50% ahead of 2024 levels.

“We are 30% ahead of last year; and last year was a very good year, it was at least 20% up on 2024,” he explained.

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Dairy farmers in the worst affected areas in the southeast are generally feeding 6-8kg of ration per day to cows, along with silage and palm kernel or soya hulls.

However, some merchants are finding it difficult to source palm kernel at the moment.

Co-ops in the south and east report that feed sales through July and August have been significantly stronger than previous years.

Dairygold is offering a €20/t rebate on bulk dairy and beef feeds, delivered over a three-week period from 17 August to 7 September inclusive.

Dairygold chair Pat Clancy said the move was in recognition of the “significant challenges the drought conditions are causing for members, through both additional feed costs and ongoing daily herd management”.

Similarly, Tirlán has announced a €15m support package for its milk suppliers in response to the drought.

The support measures include:

  • €10m weather-related milk payment covering June, July and August milk supplies. This is worth 1c/l for milk supplied during these three months;
  • €5m drought support package available from 10 July to 19 September 2026;
  • Increased credit facilities for Tirlán agri-customers to accommodate higher on-farm expenditure.

    • “The package is designed to help milk suppliers manage rising feed costs, protect winter fodder stocks and maintain milk production through what has become an exceptionally challenging period,” the co-op stated.