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The Irish Natura and Hill Farmer Association (INHFA) have highlighted the need for urgent action on the fodder crisis at a meeting in Sligo on Friday 1 December.
INHFA president, Colm O’Donnell told the packed room that a survey which 95 farmers responded to showed that 90% of these have a shortage of fodder, with the average short fall of 35%.
He added that Teagasc will be taking calls in the local area, from both from clients and non-clients to determine the fodder shortage in the region.
Assess silage stock
Donegal based advisor, Liam McKinley advised farmers to assess their silage stocks now and make provisions early to ensure that they can feed their cattle through to the spring.
He outlined the option of buying silage, but added that if silage quality is poor, restricting silage intake and feeding concentrates may be a better option for some farmers.
Both Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein Agriculture spokespersons, Charlie McConalogue and Martin Kenny agreed that there is a real fodder issue in the West and North-West and called on the Minister for Agriculture to take immediate action.
Kenny said ‘’ I have raised the fodder crisis issue with the Minister two months ago, and at that time he said there is no fodder crisis, there is plenty of fodder in the country.
That is like saying there is plenty of money in the country; the problem is the wrong people have the money, and the wrong people also have the silage.’’
He added that ‘’ the only way that this can be solved is for Teagasc to identify the farmers with an issue and to provide meal vouchers for the farmers so they can go to the Co-op and get assistance for to buy meal.’’
Localised issue
McConalogue said ‘’There is a real issue, it is localised, it’s not everywhere, but where it is it is quite acute and there needs to be an immediate response to it from the government.
We have raised this a few weeks ago in the Dail, there is currently an assessment ongoing. Time is moving on, it is now the first of December and the issue is getting more acute.
What we really need to see is something to be put in place now to assist farmers who are in trouble and to prevent the problem getting worse.
Letter from Creed
Michael Commiskey read out a letter sent to the meeting from Minister Creed which stated ‘’It is clear that the weather conditions for much of the autumn and early winter have been challenging for farmers; particularly in the West and North Western regions with heavier land types.
I know that the poor weather has resulted in cattle being housed earlier than normal in places and also affected late cut silage making operations.
In response I have asked my Department officials in conjunction with Teagasc to closely monitor the winter fodder situation across the country.
The current position is that there appears to be a supply of fodder in the form of silage and hay available in the Eastern part of the country.
However, I understand there are particular areas in the Western and North Western regions experiencing fodder scarcities.
I engage Teagasc to work locally in these areas. Teagasc have provided advice and support to farmers on fodder budgeting for the winter ahead including where best to address where stocks are inadequate.
It is important to stress to any farmers with acute problems with fodder supplies either now or in the near future where animal welfare is an issue to please contact the Department Animal Welfare Helpline where appropriate support can be provided. ‘’
Helpline won't help
INHFA’s vice president, Henry O’Donnel dismissed this as an option for many farmers saying that the Animal Welfare Helpline will only be of assistance where you have let your farm go so far you have no money left and no fodder for the animals on the holding.
He added ‘’ we have a fodder crisis, we cant wait another four months for something to be done.’’ He called on farmers with fodder at a local level to help each other out.
Call your Local Teagasc Office
Colm O’Donnell urged all farmers who are clients or non clients of Teagasc to call their local office next week and give them the details of their fodder situation so that Teagasc can evaluate the extend of the current fodder shortages.
INHFA Vice President, Brendan Joyce, detailed the organisation's position on where the additional €25m which was allocated under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme for next year should be targeted.
He highlighted the need to front load the additional payments on the first 20ha so that all farmers would benefit.
He also highlighted the need for the payment rates to be increased on the more disadvantaged hill land to compensate for the increased cost of farming in such areas.
There was widespread agreement with these proposals from all T.D’s, Senators and MEP’s present.
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