Winter fodder supplies improve across Irish farms
Recent surveys reveal a marked recovery in feed availability for livestock farms following the summer drought. Teagasc data from October highlights strong autumn grass growth easing winter fodder concerns across most regions in Ireland.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 1 min read
Over recent weeks, Teagasc advisors completed around 430 winter fodder budgets for both drystock and dairy farms nationwide, following an initial survey in August. This ongoing advisory programme aims to enhance feed security planning for livestock operations.
Results were presented on Friday 16 October at the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee meeting, chaired by Mike Magan and held at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow. Data collected in early October showed a robust autumn recovery in grass growth after the summer drought, resulting in significantly increased forage reserves.
Grass growth peaked in late May, declined sharply in early August, then rebounded rapidly in autumn. Current growth rates stand at approximately 49 kg of Dry Matter per hectare per day on dairy farms and 37 kg DM/ha/day on drystock farms, with pre-grazing yields near 2,200 kg DM/ha. Consequently, only 5% of farms face severe fodder deficits, with around 6% at risk, marking a substantial improvement from August. Regional disparities have lessened, though the South-East still reports the highest risk due to drought impacts earlier in the year. Teagasc experts urge farms with deficits to act promptly and continue updating fodder budgets to ensure winter feed security.
Results were presented on Friday 16 October at the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee meeting, chaired by Mike Magan and held at Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow. Data collected in early October showed a robust autumn recovery in grass growth after the summer drought, resulting in significantly increased forage reserves.
Grass growth peaked in late May, declined sharply in early August, then rebounded rapidly in autumn. Current growth rates stand at approximately 49 kg of Dry Matter per hectare per day on dairy farms and 37 kg DM/ha/day on drystock farms, with pre-grazing yields near 2,200 kg DM/ha. Consequently, only 5% of farms face severe fodder deficits, with around 6% at risk, marking a substantial improvement from August. Regional disparities have lessened, though the South-East still reports the highest risk due to drought impacts earlier in the year. Teagasc experts urge farms with deficits to act promptly and continue updating fodder budgets to ensure winter feed security.
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