Some 44% of farmers in north Donegal are short of fodder this winter.
Farmers attending a beef seminar in Carndonagh, Co Donegal on Monday were surveyed by the Irish Farmers Journal.
Those that are short estimate that they are on average 26% short (this ranged between 20% and 40%). They are currently paying €28/bale for 4x4 round silage bales.
Some 43% of farmers surveyed are short of straw and some are switching to alternative beddings. Round bales of straw are making €36/bale in the region.
Inishowen Co-op reports a large increase in concentrate sales in recent months. Farmers are paying €240 for weanling ration, with finishing ration costing €241.
The majority of farmers surveyed, some 83%, said the government isn’t doing enough for farmers with fodder problems. Teagasc advisor Gary Fisher said fodder issues are quite localised and north Donegal is not as badly affected as other areas.