Kerry Group will bring in 2,000 large bales of hay "in the short-term", with initial shipments landing in its catchment area this weekend, a company spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal this Wednesday. Kerry will cover transport costs and will distribute the fodder through its agribusiness stores at cost price, "focusing on areas of difficulties", the spokesperson added.

This follows Dairygold's announcement that it will import 2,500t of hay and haylage from the UK.

Meanwhile, Lakeland Dairies has "sourced forage and fodder reserves at home and has also established a number of immediate fodder supply channels from the UK," the Co Cavan-based co-op said.

Maize silage and matchmaking

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Glanbia, too, is organising overseas supplies of fodder.

LacPatrick is not planning imports at this stage but the majority of its 4,000t stock of maize silage sourced earlier this year to cover any shortages remains available.

LacPatrick, Lakeland and Kerry said they had opened matchmaking desks in recent days to connect suppliers with shortages and surpluses of fodder directly, with a number of farmers already availing of the service.

A spokesperson for Golden Vale Marts said that it is monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action and import fodder if farmers ask for it.

A spokesperson for Clare Marts told the Irish Farmers Journal: “We have been supplying fodder for the last month and if there is a need and a supply we’ll keep supplying it.”

"Co-op farm advisory teams are working intensively with farmers to identify fodder requirements and are developing appropriate feeding regimes in order to stretch fodder stocks," ICOS president Martin Keane said.

Co-ops are meeting with Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Teagasc this Wednesday to discuss the fodder situation. Several co-op representatives have described it as "critical".

Additional reporting by Hannah Quinn-Mulligan.

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