A second Fodder Action Group Meeting will take place on Monday 15 January, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.

The meeting will take place against a backdrop of growing concern in the west of the country as increasing levels of fodder scarcity are reported.

Last month, a Teagasc survey stated that 85% of farmers experiencing fodder issues in the north-west region have, on average, less than half of the fodder they need for the winter.

The developing fodder crisis cannot be ignored any longer

The deputy president of the ICMSA Lorcan McCabe told the Irish Farmers Journal that the Department had ‘wasted’ a month since the first fodder meeting.

“The ICMSA will be actively demanding a targeted fodder scheme for farmers at the next meeting,” McCabe said.

“I’d be hopeful that Minister Creed will be bringing in some kind for fodder transport scheme.”

IFA president Joe Healy said the developing fodder crisis cannot be ignored any longer, and said that the credibility of the Minister’s establishment of the group will be questioned unless it delivers tangible outcomes.

In a statement the Department said: “The group's objective is to actively monitor the fodder situation and to ensure co-ordinated expertise and guidance is available to affected farmers regarding their options.

“These may include sourcing alternative feed, advice on nutrition needs and options, reducing non-breeding stock numbers and ensuring they continue to carry out fodder budgeting.”

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