Farmers in the west are being offered over €35/bale and as high as €40/bale for silage by their counterparts in the south and southeast.

Transport is being paid by the purchaser. Although the quantities of fodder being sourced in the west remain small, individual farmers from the south are looking to secure supplies where possible.

Hay is also in strong demand, with prices shooting up over the last two months. While hay averaged around €22/bale (4x4s) at auction in mid-July – and ranged in price from €22/bale to €24/bale – the base is now €35/bale, with up to €40/bale being paid for top quality stocks.

ADVERTISEMENT

The lift in price is attributed to a mix of strong local and English demand.

Straw is being bought for €20/bale out of the field in Wexford, with €25/bale being paid in Kildare and up into Louth.

Straw is costing around €30/bale delivered into the west.