Government is to assess farming organisations’ calls for farm fodder supports once the nationwide availability of feed becomes clearer, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said amid farm organisation pressure to introduce immediate support.

Minister Heydon has sought a meeting of the national fodder and food security committee to communicate the latest advice and feed availability information throughout the farm sector.

“The Government is committed to supporting the sector in what has been a difficult year,” the Minister said after meeting with farming organisations on Tuesday.

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“The call from farm organisations for additional supports will be considered when the full picture is available and in the context of Budget 2027.

“Many farm organisations also called for flexibilities on a range of measures, which will be kept under review.”

IFA calls for urgent supports

Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman has criticised the wait-and-see approach taken by Minister Heydon on fodder, warning that any delays to acting on tight fodder supplies risks worsening the situation on farms.

Minister Heydon has “failed to grasp the severity of the issues farms are facing” and “he must act now”, Gorman stated after the meeting.

Gorman added that farming organisations have heard that Teagasc’s still-ongoing fodder survey is indicating a fodder gap of 10% or more for around two out of every five farmers who have so far taken part in the assessment.

“It confirms our fears as to the size of the fodder challenge facing us. There is also a huge cashflow crisis on many farms,” Gorman said.

“Supports must come for those sectors impacted in the short term, in addition to a practical and effective fodder crisis plan.”

The IFA leader was unimpressed with Minister Heydon’s announcement that he would convene the national fodder and food security committee, saying that it is now “almost 10 days” since the association had issued a request for the cross-sector committee to meet.

“We have already lost 10 days due to inaction and still have no concrete proposals on the table from the Minister.”

Assess

Tuesday’s meeting between Minister Heydon, farming organisations and Teagasc sought to help establish the impact current conditions are having on farms, as well as to assess the levels of fodder still remaining after weeks of soil moisture deficits ate into winter reserves on farms.

“It is important that farmers take appropriate action to ensure sufficient fodder stocks for the coming winter,” the Minister commented.

“Completing a fodder budget is critical to establish if and what action needs to be taken at farm level, regionally and nationally.

“In light of the evolving situation, farmers should continue to update their fodder budget on Pasturebase Ireland or through their adviser.”

The Minister acknowledged that drought-affected farms are witnessing increased levels of cost and encouraged farmers experiencing cashflow issues to engage with their banks, agri merchants and co-ops.

“Finally, I would encourage farmers to reach out for support – whether that is to their adviser, their farm organisation or the many other support services. Help and advice is available,” the Minister added.