Shortage of fodder supplies, increased costs and delays to spring cultivations have been reported in the UK.

The late spring has prompted the National Farmers Union to launch a Fodder Bank, connecting farmers with surplus to those in need of assistance. The Ulster Farmers Union has a similar tool available.

The Irish Government’s fodder transport scheme is adding to existing pressure on fodder demand, according to Dai Miles, the Farmers’ Union of Wales milk and dairy chair. Irish co-ops have sourced fodder from the UK over the last week. “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 a concern,” Miles said.

He added that the Welsh government may have to consider running a similar fodder transport scheme there.