Concern is growing that Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is out of touch with current conditions on farms, as the late spring continues to cause mental and physical hardship for farmers.

“It’s as bad I’ve ever seen it in 20 years of practice,” Tipperary vet Kieran O'Mahoney said.

“There are fellas putting a brave face on things but they’re really struggling. I'd be very worried about some farmers. They're under a lot of pressure and it is taking a toll."

Vets around the country stated that farmers' well-being was under threat due to tough spring conditions, with increased stocking rates in sheds leading to disease outbreaks.

“Lads are under ferocious pressure, and it’s across the board for dairy, suckler and sheep farmers. They can’t get the cows out, and there’s a severe shortage of straw and silage,” a vet from the Midlands added.

However, Minister Creed told an Oireachtas Committee this week: "We shouldn't lose sight of the individual responsibility that there is enough fodder on farms."

Government policy under the FoodWise 2025 strategy has been to increase agricultural production, and Minister Creed stated that it was up to each farmer to manage stocking rates and supplies.

IFA president Joe Healy said that Minister Creed was "in denial" of the fodder shortage continuing around the country.

Healy stressed that: "The minister should show solidarity with those farmers who have difficulties and help them through this period."

Read more

Fodder supply is 'individual farmers’ responsibility' – Creed

Clinics to combat problems with late spring

Irish winters are getting wetter