Tillage farmers have just the weekend left before the deadline closes for fodder incentive scheme applications, on Monday 17 September.

The scheme was announced by the Department of Agriculture last month in an effort to tackle the fodder deficit facing many farmers.

Some €2.75m has been set aside for the scheme and it’s hoped that up 23,000ha of additional short-rotation crops will be planted.

Short-rotation grasses attract a payment of €155/ha, while catch crops such as brassicas are eligible to a payment of €100/ha.

"I am acutely aware of the need to prepare for the winter ahead," Minister Creed said. "I have been actively engaged with the Fodder Group and through their work, maximising production of home-grown fodder is a collective priority this autumn. Through this incentive, I am encouraging tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market."

To find out some common questions and answers regarding the scheme, you can click here.

Applications can be sent to:

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,

Direct Payments Unit (DAFM Support Measure for the Production of Additional Forage 2018),

Government Offices,

Old Abbeyleix Road,

Portlaoise,

Co, Laois,

R32 RPA6

You can find a form to apply on the Department

website here.

€2.75m scheme for tillage farmers to grow fodder