The Government-subsidised fodder transport scheme for Irish farmers is causing concern for farmers in the UK. Continuous wet weather is having a similar effect on fodder supply and prices there.

“Many of our members are unable to turn cattle out onto the land and this means an increasing reliance on diminishing fodder supplies as cattle remain housed,” said Dai Miles, Farmers' Union of Wales milk and dairy committee chair. “We alerted the Welsh government to concerns about the impact of fodder shortages many weeks ago, and reports of acute problems in some regions are increasing.”

Farmer co-ops in Ireland have been sourcing fodder for their members from the UK and further afield since last week.

Concern

“We fully sympathise with Irish farmers regarding the pressures they are under, but with prices already extremely high in the UK and pressures mounting in parts of Wales, the impact of the Irish schemes for our members is naturally a concern.”

He added that if the weather does not improve, the Welsh government will have to consider running a similar fodder transport scheme there.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Farmers' Union in Northern Ireland has set up a 'fodder map' to help link farmers who are looking for or selling fodder.

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Demand for fodder putting Welsh farmers under pressure

The sale of UK fodder to Ireland is adding to existing pressure on the market there, according to the Farmers' Union of Wales.