Call for action as drought puts farms under pressure

ICSA President Sean McNamara has said the Government must act now to address the growing pressure on fodder supplies and cannot afford to wait for a fodder crisis.

“Farmers are already feeling the impact of the dry weather, with grass growth severely restricted in many areas and winter fodder being used earlier than planned. We need to act now to grow as much fodder as possible, protect supplies for the winter and make sure farmers can access affordable feed,” said McNamara.

He said that the drought was not just a fodder problem but an income problem for livestock farmers.

Higher costs

“Farmers are already facing higher costs because they are having to buy more feed and use winter fodder earlier than planned. This is putting a real financial strain on livestock farms and that has to be recognised in any Government response. Farmers need financial support when the pressure is happening, not 12 months down the line.”

Mr McNamara added that available feed also needed to be moved to where it was needed.

“There is no point having grain or fodder available in one part of the country if farmers elsewhere cannot access it at an affordable price. Co-ops should audit available feed stocks, so we know who has feed for sale and where farmers need supplies. We also need support for farmers to buy locally produced grain and haulage support to get that feed where it is needed.”

He said farmers could be facing an even bigger pressure point in spring 2027 if winter fodder supplies are depleted.

“We need to start planning now, including consideration of whether slurry spreading could be allowed earlier next spring if conditions allow.”