Choose native oats instead of imported palm kernel – IFA

Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) grain committee chair John Murphy has said that native grain is “a perfect feed in dry conditions”.

“Unfortunately, a quantity of native grain remains in store from last harvest at both farm and merchant level in various parts of the country,” Murphy said.

Winter barley and oats continue to be harvested across the country and Murphy commented: “There is a plentiful supply of native grain available in the country.”

A statement from the IFA said that where grass growth is restricted and concentrate feed is needed: “The IFA grain committee would ask that livestock farmers chose a ration or nut with a high inclusion rate of native Irish cereals.”

The statement said: “High-fibre grains such as Irish oats are an ideal option for buffer feeding outside and are a much more sustainable option than imported non-grain feed ingredients such as soya hulls and palm kernel expeller.”

In conclusion, Murphy said: “While warm, dry weather makes harvesting easier, it doesn’t hide the fact that tillage margins are extremely low on owned land and negative on rented land.

"However, the wider agricultural sector shouldn’t underestimate the impact that choosing Irish grain has on the morale and viability of our tillage sector at this current time.”