Minister urges farmers to complete fodder budgets
Minister Martin Heydon has called on all farmers to prepare detailed fodder budgets amid challenging dry weather conditions affecting grass growth. This initiative supports the National Fodder Survey coordinated with Teagasc, which monitors fodder stock levels across Ireland ahead of winter.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has emphasised the importance of farmers completing a fodder budget to ensure adequate winter feed supplies. The Department is working closely with Teagasc on the National Fodder Survey, which provides critical data for assessing the country’s fodder stocks in light of this year’s dry weather and reduced grass growth.
The Minister acknowledged the severe impact of drought conditions, particularly in the eastern half of Ireland, where soil moisture deficits have led to significantly lowered grass growth rates. While grass growth was above average until July, current rates have dropped dramatically, with growth as low as less than 10 kg DM/ha in some eastern regions. Teagasc has already begun collecting data for the survey, which will be published later this month and will help determine any necessary national or regional responses, including potential reconvening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.
Teagasc advises livestock farmers to continue regular grass measurements to monitor pasture availability and growth. Where pasture deficits occur, farmers should consider supplementing with silage and concentrates while managing autumn pasture goals and evaluating winter feed stocks. Minister Heydon encouraged farmers to complete their individual fodder budgets through Pasture Base or via local advisors to facilitate informed action and support the wider agricultural community in preparing for winter feed needs.
The Minister acknowledged the severe impact of drought conditions, particularly in the eastern half of Ireland, where soil moisture deficits have led to significantly lowered grass growth rates. While grass growth was above average until July, current rates have dropped dramatically, with growth as low as less than 10 kg DM/ha in some eastern regions. Teagasc has already begun collecting data for the survey, which will be published later this month and will help determine any necessary national or regional responses, including potential reconvening of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.
Teagasc advises livestock farmers to continue regular grass measurements to monitor pasture availability and growth. Where pasture deficits occur, farmers should consider supplementing with silage and concentrates while managing autumn pasture goals and evaluating winter feed stocks. Minister Heydon encouraged farmers to complete their individual fodder budgets through Pasture Base or via local advisors to facilitate informed action and support the wider agricultural community in preparing for winter feed needs.
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