Fodder register opens to deal with shortage

AS the fodder crisis affecting many farmers deepens, Teagasc have set up a fodder register in each of its Mayo offices to source supplies from those who have surplus fodder.

Farmers who have fodder that they can sell are invited to ring any of the four advisory offices in Mayo.

All clients will receive a text asking them to register any surpluses with their local advisory offices.

Fodder clinics are also taking place today.

The contact details for offices are as follows: Teagasc Ballinrobe (094) 9541125; Teagasc Ballina (096) 22077; Teagasc Westport (098) 28333; and Teagasc Claremorris (094) 9371360.

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, announced a review of fodder supplies and the identification of possible measures to increase fodder availability following a meeting of department officials with Teagasc and the main co-ops last week, and they are due to meet again today (Wednesday).

The minister has called on farmers who still have supplies to continue to make these available to neighbours through local groups, the co-ops and Teagasc.

IFA president Joe Healy said that the extreme weather conditions are causing havoc and untold stress at farm level.

“The situation is close to a national emergency on farms, and we need an emergency response.

“The weather over the Easter weekend has left farmers reeling at a time when they really needed a period of good weather to get things moving. Poor grass growth because of cold weather and wet conditions in fields due to huge rainfall has meant that farmers who are already under pressure for fodder have had to keep their animals indoors at a time when they should be out on grass.

“We’re now into April and with the terrible conditions over the weekend, the situation is at crisis point in almost all parts of the country,” he said.