The dry autumn weather has given farmers hardest hit by the drought a golden opportunity to make silage.

With the latest Teagasc survey still showing a 30% deficit in national fodder supplies, farmers and contractors across the country are making the most of dry spell before winter sets in.

The IFA recently held a farm walk in Limerick to emphasise fodder shortages, particularly in the south and east of the country.

However, it's been another story for farmers in the west, many of whom have reported a better year than usual, with surplus supplies of fodder.

It makes a very different story to last year, when farmers in the west of the country knew they were facing fodder problems from August onwards.

Safety

Many farmers will be rushing to get as much silage made as possible, however they're being urged to recognise the need for safety.

To date, there have been 16 farm deaths this year and the Health and Safety Authority has research showing that machinery is one of the main causes of farm deaths in Ireland.

Read more

Farm finance: late silage surge boosting winter forage supplies

Focus on forage, fertility and labour