Farmers in parts of Clare are said to be physically and mentally strained as they try to stay afloat during this fodder crisis.
Emergency supplies have arrived from the UK this morning to help offset the impact of the serious feed shortage facing farmers here, thanks to months of persistently poor weather.
However, it’s feared that it could be some time before that leads to a difference on the grounds.
Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
The first emergency batch of animal feed arrived at Rosslare Port this morning, as farmers continue to cry out for assistance.
Ongoing higher levels of rainfall since last summer has left many farmers in a perilous situation with regards to feed for their animals.
In many cases, animals were housed earlier than usual, and many were unable to get a second cut of silage, meaning fodder supplies had to be used much earlier.
Now, some have run out and Ennistymon farmer Pat O’Donoghue says it’s taking its toll.
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The government is also being criticised for failing to act sooner.
Clare County Chair of the ICMSA Martin McMahon feels it’s been a long time coming with no action til now:
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Feed is being imported today, but the IFA has said this is too little, too late.
The ICSA’s General Secretary, Cratloe’s Eddie Punch, agrees that more should have been done.
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For now, the focus is also turning to the skies and to the weather in the days and weeks ahead.
The bad weather isn’t over yet, with some areas in the South of the country set to be hit by up to 50 millimetres of rain between this evening and tomorrow.
