Teagasc advises farmers amid ongoing drought challenges
Teagasc has outlined crucial guidance to assist farmers confronting persistent drought conditions affecting fodder supplies. The advice, shared during a National Fodder Meeting chaired by Minister Martin Heydon, aims to help manage feed shortages and water supply concerns nationwide.
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Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Following an extended dry spell causing drought conditions on many farms, Teagasc’s Head of Advisory Services, Tom Curran, provided essential advice to support farmers at the recent National Fodder Meeting.
The meeting, held on 18 August and convened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon T.D., brought together representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, and key farm organisations. Tom Curran highlighted that since early July, Teagasc advisors have been actively assisting farmers with drought management, including fodder budgeting through personalised consultations, group discussions, farm walks, fodder clinics, and media outreach.
He emphasised the importance of early and regular fodder budgeting to enable timely action, suggesting measures such as purchasing forage, short-term grazing agreements, and reducing stock numbers to address feed shortfalls. Curran also urged farmers to carefully manage cashflow when sourcing additional fodder and to prioritise feed types including quality grass silage, concentrates (up to 6kg), and alternative buffer feeds. Water supply was another critical concern; farmers were advised to ensure adequate clean water access and to evaluate water system capacity and refill rates, especially on outlying blocks. Consideration of grants for solar pumps was recommended where necessary. Reflecting on lessons from the 2018 drought, Curran warned against applying nitrogen or slurry before sward growth resumed after rainfall and noted the potential for a third silage cut if sufficient rain occurs. He encouraged all farmers to review their stock numbers and winter feeding arrangements carefully.
For those seeking further information, Tom Curran’s full presentation from the National Fodder Meeting is available on the official website.
The meeting, held on 18 August and convened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon T.D., brought together representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, and key farm organisations. Tom Curran highlighted that since early July, Teagasc advisors have been actively assisting farmers with drought management, including fodder budgeting through personalised consultations, group discussions, farm walks, fodder clinics, and media outreach.
He emphasised the importance of early and regular fodder budgeting to enable timely action, suggesting measures such as purchasing forage, short-term grazing agreements, and reducing stock numbers to address feed shortfalls. Curran also urged farmers to carefully manage cashflow when sourcing additional fodder and to prioritise feed types including quality grass silage, concentrates (up to 6kg), and alternative buffer feeds. Water supply was another critical concern; farmers were advised to ensure adequate clean water access and to evaluate water system capacity and refill rates, especially on outlying blocks. Consideration of grants for solar pumps was recommended where necessary. Reflecting on lessons from the 2018 drought, Curran warned against applying nitrogen or slurry before sward growth resumed after rainfall and noted the potential for a third silage cut if sufficient rain occurs. He encouraged all farmers to review their stock numbers and winter feeding arrangements carefully.
For those seeking further information, Tom Curran’s full presentation from the National Fodder Meeting is available on the official website.
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