A Clare farmers’ representative is calling for an urgent package of supports to subsidise fertiliser and encourage grass growth.
It comes as the National Fodder and Food Security Committee is due to reconvene tomorrow in response to the drought conditions caused by recent dry weather.
Research carried out by Teagasc has found that 39 per cent of farmers are facing a fodder deficit of 10 per cent or more this winter.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon met with farming organisations earlier this week and agreed to convene the Food Security Committee in response to feed shortages.
Clare ICMSA Secretary Martin McMahon claims all crops, including root vegetables, are impacted by the recent weather.
The O’Callaghan’s Mills farmer says there’s the potential for a ‘major problem’ without immediate intervention.
The Minster has committed to delivering additional supports as part of the upcoming Budget in the first week of October.
The latest fodder collections will be carried out towards the end of September, with growth expected to be half of what was seen during the first cut in early May.
Clare IFA member, Doonbeg farmer Willie Hanrahan, says farmers can’t afford to wait until the budget for supports.
Listen to the full interview here
