There are many farms in the west and northwest with tanks of slurry and some silage still left to be made on some farms.
With cattle housed early in places, this is eating into fodder already.
Do a fodder budget now and see where you stand in relation to supply and demand this winter. Taking a decision now rather than panic-buying silage or panic-selling stock next spring is the better option.
Hay or straw can be purchased to try and make up a shortfall. Feeding extra concentrates can be a cheaper option where hay and straw become too expensive.
Farms can spread slurry until 14 October and farmyard manure until 31 October. Where it’s not possible to travel with a tractor and tanker, umbilical systems can be used to minimise damage.