Mayo IFA chairman warns farmers face winter fodder crisis

MAYO farmers are facing into a possible fodder crisis next winter as sales of fertiliser have plunged due to rising costs, which could result in silage and hay shortages.

IFA chairman Jarlath Walsh has called for an immediate fertiliser and lime subsidy to be implemented to support farmers.

At a Mayo IFA executive meeting in Castlebar, branch delegates warned that many drystock farmers across the west have purchased very little fertiliser due to the exorbitant costs and reduced availability.

Mr. Walsh said fertiliser prices have quadrupled in some instances since this time last year, resulting in many farmers not purchasing any, which will lead to fodder shortages.

“This could become a critical situation on many farms across the west if action is not taken during the critical growing season,” he warned.

The IFA has, over many years, highlighted the exorbitant EU tariffs imposed on fertiliser, which ultimately drove up prices.

Mr. Walsh said the war in Ukraine has made things even more difficult in accessing supplies and both the EU and Irish government needed to act now.

The only way to avert a fodder crisis is the immediate introduction of a fertiliser and lime subsidy.

One independent Mayo agri retailer spelt out the affect the supplies price increases are having on farmers’ operations.

On the fertiliser front, this time last year a tonne of 18-6-12 cost €490. Today you'll pay in the region of €980.

Meal has nearly doubled in price, rising from €280 to €430 a tonne.

They explained how there was an early rush this spring by some farmers to buy fertiliser as prices started to spiral, but that has greatly reduced.

“At this time of year we would normally be delivering at least 30 tonne of fertiliser every week. This past week deliveries amounted to five or six tonne.”

Even simple things for farms have rocketed - the ICSA has highlighted how a wheel for a wheelbarrow is now €45 compared to €15 a year and a half ago.