Over the past week, the Department of Agriculture has been introducing some flexibilities to allow farmers conserve more fodder for the winter. The full details of these changes are not yet available.

A Department spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal that details will be published on the website this week. Until then, here is what we know so far:

Cutting fallow land

There is some confusion about the cutting of GLAS fallow land for use as fodder.

On 24 July, the Department of Agriculture issued a statement that farmers could ask for a derogation to cut GLAS fallow land.

However, some farmers who applied for a derogation were told the change in the rules was still at the proposal stage with the European Commission. Farmers will now have to wait for further confirmation on this measure unfortunately.

LLIP

Farmers with traditional hay meadow are allowed to make a second cut from these parcels if they desire to increase fodder conservation.

It is hoped that farmers will also be allowed to conserve hay or silage from GLAS low input permanent pasture (LIPP) parcels too.

There are 262,500ha of land in Ireland today under LIPP. The lifting on the prohibition of cutting forage on these parcels this year has the potential to make a difference for fodder conservation.

Minister Creed has received confirmation from Brussels that the harvesting of hay or silage is possible within the boundaries of existing GLAS specifications.

Consultation is still ongoing with regards to what flexibility can be allowed for the conservation of fodder from LIPP areas while allowing farmers to retain payment.

Catch crops

According to a press statement, GLAS farmers will be allowed sow Italian ryegrass as part of their GLAS catch crop commitment and avail of earlier use of the crop.

Details of new fodder species allowed are still unknown. The earlier date when this crop can be grazed or harvested is not confirmed yet.