Fodder and straw prices have firmed over the last week on the back of increased farmer demand.

Silage moving from the west and border counties into the south and southeast is generally being bought for €40/bale on average, with the purchaser carrying the transport cost.

Local supplies of baled silage in the southeast are making up to €50/bale.

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In contrast, local buyers in the west are reported to be paying around €35/bale for small quantities.

There are unconfirmed reports of pit silage making in the region of €55/t, which would tally with the price being paid on average for bales.

A price of €40/bale (4x4) is generally being sought for hay, with traders reporting lively demand.

Straw stocks off the field are beginning to tighten in some parts of the country. In the southeast, €20/bale is still the going rate for straw, with €25/bale being paid further north. Tipperary growers are quoting €25-30/bale.

The cost of straw delivered into the west has hardened. Round bales are still being bought for €30-35 in parts of east Galway and Roscommon, but it is generally being priced at €35-40/bale at this point.

Big square bales (8x4x3s) are generally costing €70-75/bale delivered in the west, with up to €85/bale being charged in cases. Staying with fodder, the ICMSA is matching farmers with surplus fodder to association members facing feed deficits as winter looms.

Farmers looking to source fodder have been encouraged to submit their location and the possible quantities they require to the ICMSA, while those with surpluses have been asked to outline the type, quantity and price of supplies they are willing to sell, as well as their location.

ICMSA president Denis Drennan said there has already been a strong response from farmers with fodder surpluses, but that transport costs still remain a stumbling block to igniting the fodder market in the absence of supports.

“Transport costs are where this could fall through. You are looking at extra costs of €20 to €25/bale in many cases to move fodder from farms with surpluses to those that are looking for it,” he said.